7 films worth seeking out for the week ahead.

Sat 12th BBC2 @22.00

Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom. A biopic of Nelson Mandela spanning 6 decades from his childhood in South Africa, through his politicization and incarceration and eventually his release. Superb acting from Idris Elba and Naomie Harris as Nelson & Winnie. A big important film, warm in places and brutal in others but one that should be watched.

Sun 13th Film4 @23.00

The Last King Of Scotland. A young Scottish doctor played by James McEvoy finds himself wildly out of his depth when he enters into a friendship with the infamous Idi Amin. Forest Whitaker is masterful as Amin. A deservedly oscar winning performance in a film that's exciting, disgusting, funny and tense as hell. 

Mon 14th TG4 @21.30

South Central. The story of a man in South Central Los Angeles trying to stop his son making the same mistakes he did as a young man. Released in the early 90's when black cinema underwent an amazing resurgence, this film was overlooked but is more thoughtful and well acted than some of its contempories. Glenn Plummer is top notch in the lead role.

Tues 15th Film4 @13.00

The Black Narcissus. The story of frustrated nuns in a Himalayan convent and the effect their surroundings and a man in their midst has on some of them. Sounds like a dodgy porn film but its an absolute masterpiece. A fantastic looking film that's sensual in places and terrifying in others. Technically astonishing for the time too and highly influential.

Wed 16th Syfy @23.00

Strange Days. Made in 1995 but based in a dystopian and frankly horrifying version of 1999. Ralph Fiennes is a ex cop turned criminal who finds himself drawn into a wide criminal conspiracy. Super supporting cast in this with Angela Bassett being brilliant as always. Heart-pounding, violent, scary stuff that is not for everyone. Also for a film made 20+ years ago it's surprisingly topical in places too.

Thur 17th CH4 @02.00

Silent Running. Compelling and intelligent drama set aboard a spaceship holding whats left of the earth's plant life. When the order comes through to come home one astronaut doesn't take it very well. Bruce Dern is at his best in this and has a brilliant supporting cast of 3 robots. Yes, i know it sounds terrible but it's a remarkable little film, funny and sad.

Fri 18th TG4 @21.05

The Missouri Breaks. A dark and strange and stunning western starring Jack Nicholson as a rustler who steals the cattle and daughter of a rancher and Marlon Brando as the regulator hired to kill him. Violent, funny and surreal with a career best performance (IMHO) from Marlon Brando as a character you will enjoy with while simultaneously hating. Nicholson as always rocks.