This week's television schedule offers a compelling mix of historical drama, musical biography, and thought-provoking cinema. From the courtroom intensity of the Nuremberg trials to the soulful story of Amy Winehouse, there's a film for every viewer.
Nuremberg: A Psychological Battle
Marking over 80 years since the historic event, James Vanderbilt's "Nuremberg" provides a gripping new perspective on the post-war trials. The film focuses on the psychological duel between American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, played by Rami Malek, and the lead Nazi defendant, Hermann Göring, portrayed by a chillingly smug Russell Crowe.
While Michael Shannon delivers a solid performance as US judge Robert Jackson, the film's electric core is the battle of wills between Malek and Crowe. The drama is intensified by harrowing actual footage from death camps, making for a powerful and unsettling watch. Catch it on Sky Cinema Premiere on Friday at 12.20pm and 8pm.
Back to Black: A Star's Tragic Rise
Sam Taylor-Johnson's biopic "Back to Black" tackles the life and legacy of the iconic London singer, Amy Winehouse. Marisa Abela steps into the challenging role, delivering not only a sensitive performance but also a vocal impersonation of impressive style and gusto.
The film's central thrust is Winehouse's personal life—her tumultuous relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil (Jack O'Connell) and her interactions with family—rather than a deep dive into her music. It charts her meteoric rise and tragic struggle with addiction. Tune in on BBC Two this Sunday at 10pm.
Ken Loach's Potential Final Bow
Acclaimed director Ken Loach may have delivered his final film with "The Old Oak". True to his career-long focus, this drama explores working-class life, this time focusing on tensions in a depressed former mining village in Durham when Syrian refugees arrive.
Dave Turner stars as pub landlord TJ Ballantyne, who faces a moral and business dilemma over whether to support the newcomers. It's a fitting and powerful potential swan song for the filmmaker. Watch it on BBC Two on Friday at 11pm.
More Highlights for Your Week
"Trafic" (Wednesday, Talking Pictures TV, 3.30pm): Jacques Tati's final Monsieur Hulot film is a witty satire on our car obsession, packed with trademark physical comedy.
"Dog Day Afternoon" (Thursday, Sky Cinema Greats, 10.55am): Al Pacino and John Cazale star in Sidney Lumet's classic, fact-based crime caper about a botched bank robbery.
"People We Meet on Vacation" (Friday, Netflix): This sun-spangled romantic drama, based on an Emily Henry novel, follows two friends (Emily Bader and Tom Blyth) who realise their true feelings over a series of annual holidays.
"The Tale of Silyan" (Friday, National Geographic, 10pm): A sweet, moving documentary from Macedonia that blends folk tale with realism, following a farmer who finds purpose by caring for an injured stork.
