Nicolaescu entered the realm of cinematography by chance. A friend offered him a job in the Bucharest Studios of that time. He didn't expect a career in directing, but his short poetic movie called Memoria trandafirului earned some attention at the 1962 Cannes Film Festival. In 1967,Dacii (1967) became the first Romanian hit-movie in Western Europe. Subsequently, Nicolaescu was internationally appreciated as a worthwhile historical films director. He had the privilege to work in France, Germany and other countries on several projects in the seventies and eighties. He directed Michael the Brave (1971) and Atunci i-am condamnat pe toti la moarte (1972), two of the best Romanian movies ever. He also was responsible for such indigenous blockbusters as Nemuritorii (1974),Cu mîinile curate (1972),Noi, cei din linia întîi (1985) and Mircea (1989). Uncle Marin, the Billionaire (1979) is his only comedy to date. After the Romanian Revolution (1989), Nicolaescu became a political figure, but he continued to direct movies. Without the assistance of the military, he couldn't complete as many epics as he did back in the Communist era. Oglinda (1993) and Triunghiul mortii (1999) were well-received at the box-office. A "Steven Spielberg of the Romanian cinema", Nicolaescu is a self-taught technician and, sometimes, an artist who approached various genres and themes. Indeed, most of his films have an evident commercial tinge, but despite new voices that question his talent, ethics or even his professionalism, Sergiu is still appreciated by most of the Romanian moviegoers.