The English Patient, a landmark of modern cinema

Adapted from Michael Ondaatje's acclaimed novel, Minghella transports us to the devastated Italian countryside in the final days of World War II.

There, damaged souls seek solace amidst the ruins.

Ralph Fiennes, who embodies repressed longing, and Kristin Scott Thomas, who exudes steely grace, are magnetic presences caught in swirling orbits.

But it is the smouldering chemistry between Fiennes and Juliette Binoche that ignites the screen.

Naveen Andrews subtly anchors the story as a man driven to new purpose in the midst of psychological shipwreck.

Cinematographer John Seale imbues each frame with a painterly texture that enhances Minghella's haunting meditation on love, identity and redemptive memory.

The English Patient envelops us in its spell through dazzling production design, an intricate script and a haunting score.

Minghella directs a thoughtful ode to the transcendence of passion that blossoms richly on screen. Some works achieve greatness; this one, immortality. A landmark of modern cinema.

The English Patient swept the major Oscar categories: best picture, director, cinematography and adapted screenplay.

Juliette Binoche and supporting actors Sean Connery and Miriam Margolyes also received Academy Awards.

Word of mouth propelled it to gross more than $160 million worldwide on a budget of $30 million, a testament to its wide appeal.

Critics' groups praised Minghella's sumptuous evocation of passion, memory and wartime anguish.

The film also received BAFTA, Golden Globe and DGA awards for Minghella and Seale, among many other accolades.