TV FILM CHOICES

CHOCOLAT Sunday, Sony Movies, 4.20pm

A mysterious woman arrives in a French village. She opens a confectionary shop and seems to know – almost magically– which chocolate will suit each villager. Juliette Binoche and Judi Dench lead this photogenic adaptation of the Joanne Harris bestseller.

PASSPORT TO PIMLICO Monday, Talking Pictures, 2.30pm

Whatever your view of Brexit, there’s no doubt that it has brought a fresh satirical edge to this Ealing classic. Discovering an ancient right to independence, the people of Pimlico duly declare themselves a free state. But independence, they soon find, comes at a cost...

PADDINGTON 2 Monday, BBC1, 6.25pm

The first Paddington film was good but the sequel is brilliant, with Hugh Grant giving one of the performances of his career as vain, washed-up, cross-dressing actor Phoenix Buchanan.

PLATOON Tuesday, ITV4, 11.15pm

Oliver Stone served in Vietnam so definitely knew what he was talking about when he turned his attentions to this most controversial of wars. Charlie Sheen stars as a young soldier who has to confront not just the enemy but the brutality of his own platoon.

TIME BANDITS Wednesday, Film 4, 12.40pm

Referenced so often in more recent fantasy films, it’s important to go back to the mouldbreaking original sometimes to realise how often the wild imagination of Terry Gilliam got there first. The bonkers fun begins when six time-travelling dwarfs materialise in a young history buff’s wardrobe. Oh, and they’ve got a treasure map.

TERMINATOR 2 Thursday, ITV4, 9pm

As good as his famous word, Arnold Schwarzenegger (below) was back for the sequel, although this time – in a big twist – he’s the goodie, sent back from the future to protect the by-now teenage John Connor, future leader of the resistance.

GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES Friday, Film 4, 11am

Lorelei and Dorothy, played so memorably by Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell, are two gold-digging showgirls who work their way to France on a transatlantic liner. As Monroe (left) purrs her way through Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend, it’s easy to forget that the whole thing is a clever satire, directed by the great Howard Hawks.

AMERICAN GANGSTER Friday, Sony Movies, 9pm

Russell Crowe plays the maverick New York cop given the unenviable task of bringing in Harlem drug lord Frank Lucas (an excellent Denzel Washington). Based on a true story.