The Box Set
The Nineties, 8.30pm, Wednesday, Prime
New, seven-part CNN series that takes viewers back to events that shaped the way we live today, from the collapse of Eastern European communism, the election of Bill Clinton over George Bush, music that defined the decade and an attempt to bring down the Twin Towers at the World Trade Centre in New York. This week’s first episode looks at television in the ‘90s, from Buffy the Vampire Slayer to ER.
Ill Manors, 8.30pm, Friday, Rialto
Riz Ahmed and Ed Skrein star in the 2012 British crimedrama which follows six disparate lives – people who are all struggling to survive the circles of violence that engulf them. ‘‘It may be slow in parts and its heart-sinking scenarios won’t fill you with cheer, but it has bags of style and a terrific soundtrack. It might just kickstart a few acting careers, too,’’ wrote Empire magazine’s Anna Smith.
The Thomas Crown Affair, 8.45pm, Saturday, Three
Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo star in this slick and sultry 1999 remake of the 1968 Steve McQueen classic about a rich and successful art-stealing playboy who suddenly discovers he may have met his match in a dogged detective. ‘‘A fullthrottle fantasy, about as heady a movie experience as it gets,’’ wrote Washington Post‘s Desson Thomson.
The Man From Uncle, 8.30pm, Sunday, TVNZ2
This isn’t your mother’s brother’s U.N.C.L.E. While Guy Ritchie’s 2015 reimagining of the popular 1960s Cold War TV spy series is set in the same period, it owes more of a debt to the James Bond films of the era. From the bold subtitles to clever flourishes involving the full frame, camera angles, focus, editing and sound, Ritchie constantly keeps the audience interested, even if the story isn’t exactly anything new.
George Michael: Freedom, 8.30pm, Monday, Prime
This new documentary gave the late George Michael an opportunity to revisit his past and put the record straight about his musical development, his battles with his record company and the pain of losing his partner. Told through a cast of A-list superstars, including Stevie Wonder and Elton John, this is billed as the true story behind the headlines.
The Prestige, 9.25pm, Monday, Duke
Based on Christopher Priest’s complex 1995 novel of the same name, this 2006 tale is another dark and devilishly clever drama from writer-director Christopher Nolan. His greatest trick is constantly subverting the audience’s expectations and making them shift their sympathies. Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman and David Bowie star.
The seven-day television listings are as accurate as possible at the time of publication. For the most up-to-date programme details, please see the newspaper’s daily listings.