11 films for you on TV this week

The Field   Sat   13/7   RTE1 @ 21.20

A field in 1960's Connemara becomes the catalyst for murder and heartbreak in this film version of the famous John B. Keane play. It's immensely powerful stuff and a look into the dark heart of Irish country life and our ties to the land. Richard Harris gives a career best performance as the Bull McCabe, a one man force of nature and gets cracking support from Brenda Fricker, John Hurt and a very fresh faced Sean Bean.

Nothing Personal   Sat   13/7   TG4 @ 21.25

Belfast. 1975. Kenny's a protestant. Liam is a catholic. They were childhood friends but sectarian hate tore them apart. Then Kenny's friend Ginger really stirs the pot. This 1995 take on the troubles is a gruelling and violent film but excellent performances will keep you watching. James Frain, John Lynch and a superb Ian Hart lead a cast full of familiar faces.

The Bleeder   Sat   13/7   BBC1 @ 23.45

The story of Chuck Wepner, the New Jersey journeyman boxer who's once in a lifetime fight with Muhammad Ali inspired a little known actor by the name of Sylvester Stallone to make Rocky. You've seen this all before but an absolutely charming showing from Liev Schreiber makes it worthwhile. Elisabeth Moss, Michael Rapaport and Ron Perlman add to the fun.

Iris   Sun   14/7   BBC2 @ 01.30

Iris and John met and fell in love as students in Oxford and we get to bear witness to their relationship and her career as a best selling writer. Then cruel nature intervened. A fine film about the extreme highs and lows of life and one that's filled with superlative performances from some of Britain's best including Judy Dench, Kate Winslet, Jim Broadbent and Hugh Bonneville.

Jane Got A Gun   Mon   15/7   CH4 @ 00.15

When her husband finds trouble with a gang of outlaws, a woman has no choice but to ask an old fiance for help. Things get bloody. Much was made of this film's troubled genesis but it's actually a exciting western and better than it deserved to be. A lot of this is down to Natalie Portman's committed lead performance and a stellar supporting cast including Ewan McGregor and Joel Edgerton.

The Hitman's Bodyguard   Mon   15/7   RTE2 @ 21.00

Michael Bryce is a bodyguard shamed by a past failure who gets a chance at redemption when called on to protect a witness who'll be testifying in a high profile trial. There will be blood. A violently entertaining watch packed with plenty of action and giggles. Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds work well together. Don't go into this expecting anything approaching realism.

Nico, 1988   Mon   15/7   Film4 @ 23.25

Christa Päffgen a.k.a Nico was a German singer best known for her work with The Velvet Underground. She was a problematic woman who led a troubled life and this is the story of the last year of her life. A tough and upsetting watch but one carried along by a graceful & in places mesmerising performance from Trine Dyrholm as the titular singer. 

The Hole   Tues   16/7   The Horror Channel @ 21.00

Four teenagers from a well to do private school in England finds themselves trapped in an old World War Two bunker and it isn't long before things go sideways. A dark, grimy and eventually brutal psychological thriller that has a hint of The Lord Of The Flies around it. Thora Birch is the lead, and iffy accent aside makes a good job of it. Keira Knightley and Laurence Fox are solid in support.

Mountain   Thur   18/7   BBC4 @ 01.35

A breathakingly beautiful documentary about the mountain peaks that pierce the sky around the world and the human need to conquer them. Willem Dafoe's narration and gorgeous music playing out over some seriously vertigo inducing footage makes for a gripping combination. A topical watch after all the recent Mount Everest idiocy.

Get Carter   Thur   18/7   ITV4 @ 23.40

Jack Carter isn't a man to be messed with and when he travels north to investigate his brother's death in Newcastle you know things aren't going to end well. A masterpiece. Edgy, darkly funny, brutally violent and packed to the brim with dialogue you'll recognise even if you haven't seen the film before. Michael Caine is brilliant in the lead role & the supporting cast is full of recognisable faces.

The Molly Maguires   Fri   19/7   TG4 @ 21.40

The Irish workers of a Pennsylvanian Coal mine decide 1876 is the year when they will put a stop the dangerous conditions they are expected to toil under. Things don't go well for them. An aauthentic feeling, well crafted and splendidly acted piece about an era of Irish immigrant history that's criminally overlooked. Richard Harris & Sean Connery do great work as men on either side of the same coin.