Romanian Film Maker Nicolaescu Dies

Bucharest’s Elias Hospital said Nicolaescu died on Thursday from heart and lung complications following surgery for digestive problems.

Nicolaescu quit politics in December, having been Senator for the Social Democratic Party since 1992, saying: “I only have a few years left and I'd like to finish them in my profession.”

Nicolaescu made some 50 films in his lifetime, and despite his career in politics, continued to direct films such the “Orient Express” in 2004.

He was best known for historical films, some of which found favour with the former Communist regime. His 1979 movie “Mihai the Brave” is considered a cinematic classic in Romania.