Freeview (UK) film of the day : Tuesday 4th of June

Mother (2009 123min.) [Film4 11.05pm &+1]

Crime thriller. When a young man with learning difficulties is accused of murder and then confesses to the crime, his mother turns detective to prove his innocence.

Bong Joon-ho's film plays out as a gleefully eccentric mix of straightforward whodunnit, David Lynch-style surrealism, comedy romp and thriller.

But the main themes are suspense and melodrama and these two are welded together with great skill into a genuinely gripping story. This, plus the terrific, subtle central performance by Kim Hye-ja and the beautiful photography, all combine to form a spellbinding and absorbing film.

Highly recommended.