10 telly films
Life Of Pi
Film4, 6.30pm, today
Director Ang Lee’s visually stunning take on Yann Martel’s bestselling novel features an inquisitive writer (Rafe Spall), who turns up at the door of Pi Patel (Irrfan Khan), having been told the stranger’s life story deserves to be immortalised in print. In flashback, Pi recounts his fantastical youth in this vivid drama.
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Channel 4, 9pm, today
In the 1930s, the Grand Budapest Hotel is a popular ski resort in the Republic of Zubrowka. It is presided over by concierge Gustave H. who finds himself embroiled in a murder mystery. Quirky comedy featuring a starry ensemble cast including Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton and Bill Murray.
Master and Commander: The Far Side Of The World
Film4, 9pm, today
Director Peter Weir sets sail with this swashbuckling adventure yarn torn from the pages of Patrick O’Brian’s novels and starring Russell Crowe as Captain “Lucky” Jack Aubrey. Stunning action set-pieces abound.
Downfall
BBC2, 11.20pm, today
Riveting account of the dramatic events of April 1945 – a turning point in modern European history. Adolf Hitler (Bruno Ganz) has retreated to a bunker system under the German Chancellery. Above ground, the Russian Army is closing a ring around Berlin. Germany’s defeat is inevitable but the Fuhrer refuses to surrender.
The Madness of King George
Film4, 6.45pm, Monday
Alan Bennett adapted his own play for the big screen, drawing on the true story of George III, who suffered dementia during his reign. It’s a witty, touching and brilliantly acted insight into a puzzling period of British history, with Nigel Hawthorne wonderful as the monarch.
Shutter Island
Film4, 11pm, Tuesday
Martin Scorsese’s psychological thriller blurs perception and reality. Adapted by screenwriter Laeta Kalogridis from the best-seller by Dennis Lehane, Leonardo DiCaprio plays a troubled US marshal sent to the spooky Ashecliffe Hospital for the Criminally Insane to investigate the disappearance of an inmate.
Tron: Legacy
BBC1, 11.15pm, Wednesday
Back in the 1980s, Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) revolutionised the world with his technology corporation ENCOM. Then he disappeared without trace, leaving behind a young son. This belated sequel to the cult favourite is front-loaded with striking set-pieces.
Animal Kingdom Film4, 1.30am, Wednesday
Crime is a family affair in David Michod’s gritty rites-of-passage Australian drama, blessed with an Oscarnominated performance from Jacki Weaver as a scheming mother who will sink to any depths to protect her boys from harm.
You Only Live Twice
ITV4, 9pm, Thursday 007 (Sean Connery) comes face-to-face with Blofeld (Donald Pleasence) in one of the better Bond outings.
Drag Me to Hell
5*, 9pm, Friday Evil Dead director Sam Raimi returns to tonguein-cheek horror with this entertaining mix of gore and dark humour.