A dystopian tale about a game called Trading which involves people putting everything they have on the line in order to take part in the ultimate winner takes all game. A very different kind of Irish film here that won't be for everyone but its certainly an interesting watch. Fine cast too including Killian Scott, Barry Keoghan and Aoibhinn McGinnity. This Saturday night Irish film slot on RTE2 is deadly, loads of stuff on here that would rarely be shown otherwise.
Veteran Sat 31/3 Film4 @ 23.10
Jo Tae-oh is a scumbag. A rich scumbag who is able to use his family's wealth and influence to buy his way out of what ever dodginess he gets involved in. But one detective has had enough of him. A very entertaining film and a cracking entry point for anyone interested in delving into Korean cinema. Starring Hwang Jung-min who is one of the most famous South Korean actors and who's filmography is well worth checking out if you can.
My Name Is Emily Sun 1/4 TV3 @ 21.00
Emily has been living in a foster home since her father became ill and when he doesn't get in contact with her on her birthday she decides to take off and see what's up. Directed by Simon Fitzmaurice while he was succumbing to Motor Neurone disease, this is a lovely quirky and affecting Irish film with some great acting from Evanna Lynch and the brilliant Michael Smiley.
(N.B. There's a documentary about Simon Fitzmaurice on TV3 directly after this thats really worth a watch too called It's Not Yet Dark.)
Selma Sun 1/4 BBC2 @ 23.00
A look at 3 months in the life of Dr Martin Luther King as he took part in an effort to secure equal voting rights for African Americans in 1965. A tough, upsetting and in some places uplifting look at a period of American history that people do their best to ignore these days. Directed by Ava DuVernay and carried by a superlative performance from David Oyelowo as King this a history lesson that everyone should watch.
The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford Sun 1/4 ITV4 @ 23.25
The well known and oft told story of the James gang but this time told from the perspective of Robert Ford, a young wannabe outlaw. This is a deep, complex and contemplative western with a pace that will be off putting to some but the acting, especially from Brad Pitt is immense. In fact the entire cast is excellent and the score from Nick Cave is one that you will download when the film is over. A beautiful film.
Dog Soldiers Mon 2/4 The Horror Channel @ 21.00
A group of soldiers on routine training in the Scottish highlands find themselves under siege from a pack of beasts that should not exist. Neil Marshall's debut film is a joy. Hilarious, horrific, quotable, fun, disgusting and damn scary. A rare horror comedy that gets it's blend just right. All this and we get a wicked cast too. Sean Pertwee, Kevin McKidd, Liam Cunningham and Darren Morfitt who's just hilarious as Spoon.
Song Of Granite Mon 2/4 TG4 @ 21.30
A biography of an Irish sean nos singer by the name of Joe Heaney and his nomadic life that brought him from Galway to Glasgow and eventually America. His story though takes a background to beautiful black and white scenery and a soundtrack that will worm it's way into your head for days. It's a film that's nearly impossible to describe but one that should be experienced. A dreamlike watch from Irish director Pat Collins.
Kiki's Delivery Service Tues 3/4 Film4 @ 12.50
Time for a bit of Studio Ghibli Animation. Something that makes every list complete. A young witch leaves home for a year and to earn a living, opens up a delivery service using her magic broom. Yeah it sounds silly but its a fantastically charming and layered little film that offers something to younger and older viewers. Hopefully film4 are showing the original Japanese language version which is far superior to the dubbed version.
Three Godfathers Wed 4/4 TCM @ 12.50
3 cattle rustlers on the run across a desert come across a pregnant woman who dies in childbirth. They decide to do their best to bring her child to safety. This 1948 John Ford film is a western take on the tale of the 3 wise men and a very satisfying one at that. John Wayne as Robert Marmaduke Sangster Hightower ( what a name ) gives his usual entertaining performance that suits this film perfectly. A heartwarming watch.
13 Assassins Fri 5/4 Film4 @ 01.20
In 19th century Japan a ragtag group of Samurai come together to get some well deserved revenge on an evil feudal lord who has pissed off one too many people. Directed by Takashi Miike this is a thrilling film that eschews his usual perversity and replaces it with something resembling......well no it's still nasty but it's a far easier watch than most of his movies. A beautiful looking and well acted ballet of bloody carnage!
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