Legendary actor Al Pacino has starred in his share of misfires and bombs, but his historical epic from 1985 may be worth another look.

These individual (and connected) stories are depressing, riveting, and compelling on their own, but what the miniseries does best is flesh out the thematic subtext of Kushner's play in markedly impressive ways. It's a mythical saga, of course, but also one full of real hope and pathos as it explores love, identity, justice, and truth.