TV FILMS OF THE WEEK
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A RAVISHING live-action remake of the 1991 Disney animation. Strongwilled bookworm Belle (Emma Watson) rebuffs the amorous advances of preening Gaston (Luke Evans), who wonders how he’ll know when he is in love. Before Gaston can find out, Belle trades places with her inventor father Maurice (Kevin Kline) as the eternal prisoner of an accursed Beast (Dan Stevens) in his crumbling stronghold. The gloom of incarceration is lifted by the kindness of enchanted servants, including flirtatious candlestick Lumiere (Ewan McGregor) and clinking teapot Mrs Potts (Emma Thompson) – and by her growing bond with her captor.
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DOCTOR ZHIVAGO Tomorrow, BBC2, 3pm
THIS epic romantic drama is set during the Russian Revolution and follows Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif, pictured), a married doctor who falls for Lara (Julie Christie), the beautiful wife of a political activist. Yuri is torn between his commitment to his wife and his passion for his mistress. The outstanding performances from the cast and David Lean’s masterly direction, make this a must-see.
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WILD HONEY PIE! Monday, Film4, 11.15pm
IN THIS low-key comedy drama, aspiring playwright Gillian (Jemima Kirke, pictured) and husband Oliver (Richard Elis) have been together for seven years. They are best friends and are well matched except for practically non-existent bedroom antics. In the process of staging a play, Gillian experiments with producer Gerry (Alice Lowe), while Ollie enjoys an illicit kiss with old flame Rachel (Sarah Solemani),
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THE INBETWEENERS MOVIE Tuesday, E4, 9pm
BIG-SCREEN version of the comedy series. Friends Will (Simon Bird, pictured) Simon (Joe Thomas), Jay (James Buckley) and Neil (Blake Harrison) are now 18 and are determined to enjoy one last hurrah before university. They head off on a holiday to Crete, where they meet Alison (Laura Haddock), Jane (Lydia Rose Bewley), Lisa (Jessica Knappett) and Lucy (Tamla Kari), and romantic sparks fly.
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KILL BILL: VOLUME 1 Wednesday, 5*, 11.05pm
A FEMALE assassin (Uma Thurman, pictured) decides to quit the profession, get married and raise a family – only to be shot on her wedding day and left for dead. Four years later, she wakes up from a coma intent on revenge and sets off to wipe out her former colleagues. Her old boss Bill (David Carradine) is her main target, but in the meantime she’ll make do with a couple of other hit-women.
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FUNNY COW Thursday, Film4, 11.15pm
THE nameless heroine (Maxine Peake, pictured) of this gritty drama falls in love with Bob (Tony Pitts), who isn’t shy about using his fists when she dares to speak out of turn. During a visit to a working men’s club, the abused spouse witnesses a poorly received set from a veteran comedian. She decides to adopt the stage name Funny Cow and taps into her troubled past to turn her tears into laughter.
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JOHN WICK Friday, Channel 5, 10pm
INFAMOUS hit-man John Wick (Keanu Reeves, pictured) comes out of retirement when Russian playboy Iosef Tarasov (Alfie Allen) and his underlings break into his home, beat him to a pulp and kill his pet dog – which was a gift from his late wife. The act of senseless brutality fuels John’s lust for revenge and he hunts down Iosef, ignoring the fact his target is the son of a powerful mob boss.