Ryoma was once a low class samurai, a ronin without allegiance and a wanted man. But today he is recognized as a person who marshaled a unique strength of personality, diplomacy, and historical vision to help transform his nation, a vision that produced a unified modern Japan out of the rough cloth of a fragmented feudal tradition. Ryoma’s life is a tale of Shakespearian proportions -- a life of daring and personal triumph that helped mold a nation, but also a life lived without regard to personal gain or safety. His life tragically ended prematurely with his brutal assassination.
For two years, Anne Frank and her family lived in hiding from the Nazis in a secret annex. During this time of fear and oppression, one young girl kept a record of her life. In the midst of the tragedy of war, Anne kept her hopes for peace alive and her indomitable spirit lives on in the words of her Diary.
Winner of the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize, Mother Teresa devoted herself to help the poor. Answering a calling from God, she opened a home in Calcutta, India, where she and her fellow nuns took in and cared for dying and desperate Indians. Even after her death, many still continue her never ending quest of providing for the basic needs of human beings.
At the age of 26, Einstein published his groundbreaking "Theory of Relativity," revolutionizing the world of physics forever. Today, he is considered a true genius. From his boyhood quest for answers to some of science's most challenging questions to his search to uncover the mysteries of the universe. Einstein's work led to both the formulation of his many earth-shattering theories and his place as one of the most important scientists in history. (Source: Digital Manga Publishing)
A true genius, Beethoven stands as one of the greatest musical minds the world has ever seen with such famous works as his Symphony No. 9 ("Ode to Joy") and the classic "Fur Elise." The onset of deafness was only one of many hardships he had to face, but his strength and desire to do battle with his turbulent life led him to create the many musical masterpieces we cherish today. Celebrate Beethoven's amazing life with Astro Boy at your side! Astro Boy is ready to show you how Beethoven created some of the most beautiful music in history while struggling with his own personal highs and lows. Watch the story behind this genius and his amazing musical work come to life right before your eyes.