FILMS OF THE WEEK

THE BIG MOVIE

THE BOY WHO HARNESSED

THE WIND (2019) PG ●

Sunday, 10pm, BBC2 ★★★★

This inspiring true story is set in Malawi, where the life of schoolboy Will Kamkwamba (beaming newcomer Maxwell Simba) is blighted by poverty and famine – but Will uses his wit, guile and determination to help not just himself, but his entire community. Chiwetel Ejiofor, the celebrated British actor known for 2013 Oscarwinner 12 Years A Slave, makes his directorial debut, and also plays Will’s father, Trywell (above, with Simba). Trywell is a farmer who, to his horror, can no longer afford the tuition fees for his children’s education. But Will, a bright spark with a knack for fixing things, gains access to the school library, where he learns that there is a way to bring power to his people.

CLASSIC FILM CHOICE

MEET ME IN ST LOUIS (1944) U ●

Saturday, 1.15pm, BBC2

★★★★★

This dazzling MGM musical is an idealised, romantic, timeless slice of Americana that will fill your room with joy and optimism. It follows a year in the life of the well-off Smith family of St Louis, Missouri, as they look forward to the 1904 World’s Fair – an event they anticipate almost as eagerly as we do the end of lockdown. Judy Garland is radiant as Esther (above), one of the four Smith daughters who, along with their mum (Mary Astor) and only brother, have much to fill their days as the seasons pass, yet are united in dread when Mr Smith announces that the family will be moving to the big bad city of New York. As December comes, and Esther sings Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, there won’t be a dry eye in the house.