7 TV FILMS OF THE WEEK
1 DOCTOR ZHIVAGO Today, BBC2, 3pm
THIS epic romantic drama is set during the Russian Revolution and follows Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif), a married doctor who falls for Lara (Julie Christie), the beautiful wife of a political activist. He’s torn between his commitment to his wife and his passion for his mistress. Of course, the path of true love doesn’t run smooth. The story itself is nothing special, despite being based on Boris Pasternak’s classic novel. However, the outstanding performances from the all-star cast and, in particular, David Lean’s masterly direction, make it a must-see. Although it was mauled by the critics, the film earned 10 Oscar nominations, winning five.
2 WILD HONEY PIE! Tomorrow, 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),
3 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 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.
4 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.
5 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.
6 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.
7 DEADPOOL Saturday, Channel 4, 9pm
FORMER Special Forces operative Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds,) is an assassin who learns he has inoperable cancer. Wade is invited to undergo a radical procedure in an experimental program known as WeaponX, but its sadistic program director transforms him into a deformed mutant with the power of self-healing. Reborn as Deadpool (pictured), Wade vows revenge.