I haven't been able to get thru any fiction/historical novels in ages. The DVD is my substitute. I still buy fiction every now and then, but can't get through more than a chapter or so. Yes, I have a copy of the "Da Vinci Code" gathering dust among the rest. As for historical films, Zulu has been a favorite, Gladiator, and of course, Ben Hur, Spartacus and that type. I am unfamiliar with "The Longest Day". I thought Man on Fire was excellent. Shaka Zulu, starring Henry Cele as Shaka was also excellent.

On the other hand. A friend goaded me for weeks to watch "Hero", which I found boring to the point of unwatchability.Lots of wacky effects just for effect but not moving the plot at all!I am waiting for the release of House of Flying Daggers. The last Samarai, not horrible, but not worth the time spent in my opinion. Went to sleep trying to get through Manchurian Candidate with Denzel.