One of the best war movies of recent years is on TV tonight

Stephen Porzio

Inspired by real events, the film won three Oscars.

Our TV movie pick for tonight (Friday, 3 Jan) is 1917, the three-time Oscar-winning war film from co-writer and director Sam Mendes (Skyfall).

Set during World War I, the movie follows two young British soldiers named Will and Tom (played by George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman) who are tasked with a seemingly impossible mission.

The pair must cross over into enemy territory to deliver an important message to call off a doomed offensive attack.

If the two are successful, they could potentially save 1,600 of their fellow comrades – as well as Blake’s own brother.

Inspired by real-life tales told to Mendes by his grandfather, Alfred Mendes, who served in WWI, 1917’s ensemble cast also includes Andrew Scott, Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth, Mark Strong and Richard Madden.

Upon its release in 2019, the movie was highly praised by critics – specifically for its one-shot-style cinematography and its hard-hitting depiction of trench warfare.

Nominated for 10 Oscars, the war drama wound up winning three – Best Cinematography (the film was shot by the legendary Roger Deakins), as well as Best Sound Mixing and Best Visual Effects.

1917 is airing on TV tonight on BBC Two at 10.30pm. It is also available to stream on Netflix.

Here are some other movies on TV tonight:

Mission: Impossible – Fallout – Film4 – 9pm

Our favourite of the Mission: Impossibles.

Bullitt – ITV4 – 9pm

This very cool ’60s neo-noir action thriller starring Steve McQueen boasts one of the best car chases ever captured on film.

My Cousin Vinny – Comedy Central – 9pm

In this beloved Oscar-winning comedy, two New Yorkers accused of murder in rural Alabama call in the help of one of their cousins, a loudmouth lawyer with no trial experience (Joe Pesci).

The Lawnmower Man / Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace – Legend Xtra – 9pm / 11.40pm

It’s a Lawnmower Man double bill.

The Big Boss – Sky Max – 9pm

Martial arts legend Bruce Lee’s first major film in a lead role.

Forrest Gump – TG4 – 9.30pm

“Life is like a box of chocolates.”

Michael Collins – RTÉ One – 9.35pm

Liam Neeson is Michael Collins in writer-director Neil Jordan’s very good historical drama.

Hustlers – E4 – 10pm

The very fun 2019 crime comedy thriller based on true events stars Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu, Keke Palmer and Lili Reinhart and tells the story of a group of exotic dancers who run a con on their most wealthy clientele.

Van Wilder: Party Liaison – Comedy Central – 11.30pm

Ryan Reynolds stars in this 2002 comedy as a seventh-year senior at Coolidge College who has made it his life goal to help undergrads succeed in the future.

Wedding Crashers – BBC One – 11.40pm

This hit comedy follows two divorce mediators (Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn) who crash weddings in an attempt to meet and seduce women.

The Lighthouse – Film4 – 11.55pm

Before Nosferatu, writer-director Robert Eggers helmed this brilliant psychological thriller about two lighthouse keepers (Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe) marooned on an island.