The story of Rasputin, the arrogant, godless and possibly mad monk who had such a malign influence on Nicholas and Alexandra, the last royal rulers of Russia, is well known. It's therefore surprising that this film is the first that sticks largely to the facts of the tale and doesn't turn Rasputin into some eye-rolling caricature. To exert the influence he did, Rasputin must have been a very charismatic man, so the powerful and mesmerising Alan Rickman is perfectly cast. Greta Scacchi is also excellent as Tsarina Alexandra, under the spell of the man who cures her son of haemophilia. Ian McKellen exudes quiet authority as Tsar Nicholas. But it's Rickman who dominates this tense and fascinating drama.

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