HIMALAYA: L’ENFANCE D’UN CHEF (1999)
BBC Four, 10.30pm
The French film-maker Eric Valli was resident in Nepal for many years, and worked as an assistant director on Seven Years in Tibet, before making this high-altitude drama about cultural and generational clashes in his adopted homeland. Conflict arises in a nomadic community when Gurgon Kyap’s impetuous young pretender challenges Thilen Lhondup’s traditionalist chief in a battle of wills. Valli’s Oscar-nominated love letter to Nepal weaves the country’s native customs around a fairly hackneyed plot, but the mighty mountain landscape of the title is consistently impressive. (108 min)
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LOCK, STOCK AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS (1998)
Film4, 10.40pm
Now that even Guy Ritchie himself seems to have become a clumsy Guy Ritchie imitator, it is easy to forget how genuinely fresh and exhilarating his debut feature felt on release. Mr Madonna uses numerous visual tricks learned on commercials and rock videos to jazz up his exuberant Cockney gangster romp, paying homage to London underworld mythology and casting some of its real-life characters. The energetic pace, lively plot and inspired casting of football hardcase Vinnie Jones help redeem some lame jokes and a dubious fondness for lowlife violence. (105 min)
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ARTHUR (1981)
BBC One, 11.15pm
It is a testament to the late Dudley Moore’s considerable charms that he makes the bratty, spoilt, alcoholic anti-hero of this smash-hit comedy so sympathetic. The scion of a super-rich family, Arthur Bach (Moore) is under pressure to marry a wealthy bride and produce heirs. Instead, he risks family disgrace and financial ruin by falling for penniless Liza Minnelli. Pure fairytale slush, of course, but leavened by some inspired comic touches, notably Sir John Gielgud’s Oscar- winning turn as Arthur’s sarcastic butler. (117 min)