MANILA, Philippines — Starring Oscar winner Al Pacino as the late Dr Jack Kevorkian in this film by Oscar winner Barry Levinson (“Rain Man”), “You Don’t Know Jack” is the story of one man’s obsession with challenging the rules by which we live and die – and his stubborn, heartfelt insistence on breaking the law to do so.

Al Pacino won an Emmy and Golden Globe for his role as Kevorkian. “You Don’t Know Jack” also stars Oscar winner Susan Sarandon as Janet Good, Danny Huston as Geoffrey Fieger, Emmy winner Brenda Vaccaro as Margo and Emmy winner John Goodman as Neal Nicol.

This HBO Original Movie offers a rare look at the late “Dr Death”, the man behind the sensational headlines, starting with his initial foray into patient consultations and the media frenzy that ensued. One of the most polarizing figures in modern American history, Kevorkian and his allies – sister Margo, friend and medical supplier Neal Nicol, Hemlock Society activist Janet Good, and defense attorney Geoffrey Fieger dedicated themselves to a cause fraught with legal and ethical hurdles, not to mention the real possibility of long-term imprisonment.

“You Don’t Know Jack” begins in 1989 as 61-year-old former pathologist Dr Jack Kevorkian launches his crusade to provide what he considers to be a humane and dignified option for the terminally ill – assisted suicide. Aided by loyal friend Neal Nicol and older sister Margo Janus, Kevorkian begins offering “death counseling” services to a grateful and burgeoning clientele. He earns the support of Hemlock Society activist Janet Good and the wrath of the county prosecutor’s office. Talented and flamboyant attorney Geoffrey Fieger agrees to represent Kevorkian in court at no charge, and Kevorkian is repeatedly exonerated, despite the impassioned efforts of his detractors. As the media catapults him to the forefront of national news coverage, Kevorkian continues his work, helping 130 patients end their lives. Provocative, obstinate and complex, Kevorkian risks it all in his fervor to challenge the prevailing laws, with self-determination at the core of his beliefs. His ultimate goal: to argue a constitutional right to die before the US Supreme Court.

“You Don’t Know Jack”  premieres for the first time in Asia on Sept. 16 at 10 p.m. on HBO Signature.