On BBC1 is the first part of the television adaptation of Sebastian Faulks ‘Birdsong.’ It stars Eddie Redmayne as Stephen Wraysford a British soldier serving in France during the First World War. There he falls in love with a married woman Isabelle (‘In Bruges’ and Harry Potter’ star Clemence Poesy). With promising new British actors Matthew Goode and ‘This is England’s’ Thomas Turgoose filling out the impressive cast this promises to be an epic and compelling production.

Over on Channel 4 is the network premiere of ‘127 Hours’ starring James Franco as mountain climber Aron Ralston who becomes trapped in a canyon after a boulder falls on his arm. This film follows the remarkable true story as Ralston attempts to extricate himself and survive the harsh Utah desert wilderness.

Although uncompromising and definitely not for the faint hearted ‘127 Hours’ is compelling edge of your seat entertainment.

Birdsong is on BBC1 at 9pm on Sunday and 127 Hours is on C4 also at 9pm on Sunday. You decide!