Advertisement
Advertisement

TV tutor

We have selected one programme for each day of the week from TVB Pearl or ATV World. Enjoy the shows and learn English at the same time. We also recommend the daily news report (7.30-8pm, on both channels) which has English subtitles, helping you follow the news script and improve your pronunciation, listening skills and spelling.

April 1: Kung Fu Hall of Fame - The Art of Action (TVB Pearl, 8.30-9.30pm)

Go behind the scenes of a worldwide phenomenon. This programme features the best moments from the greatest martial arts movies of all time. Take a trip through martial arts history, from its beginnings in bloody rebellion to the high-flying action movies of today.

Actor Samuel L. Jackson (The Matrix, Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones) will be your host, taking you through the most action-packed moments from more than 100 movies, including rarely-seen vintage films and modern-day favourites such as Charlie's Angels, Rush Hour 2 and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

There are also interviews and footages of your favourite stars and directors: Ang Lee, Sammo Hung, John Woo and others.

April 2: National Geographic - Female Suicide Bomber (ATV World, 10-11pm)

Over the past few decades, suicide terrorists have been a growing threat throughout the world - in Israel, Chechnya, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan and the United States. But the emergence in the last two years of women bombers in Israel and Chechnya has created a new sense of outrage and horror.

This programme tries to find out why women with completely different political, geographic and religious conflicts are resorting to this final, desperate act.

What psychological torment is occurring to these women across a wide stretch of countries today?

What are the common threads or links that we can trace to try to understand the motives of these murderous mothers?

And are their acts a tragic new level of anger from the world's most powerless places?

April 3: A Beautiful Mind (TVB Pearl, 9.30pm-12.20am)

This intensely human drama of a true genius was inspired by events in the life of mathematician John Forbes Nash, Jr. He made an astonishing discovery early in life and stood on the brink of international acclaim .

But his quick rise into the intellectual world drastically changed course when his intuitive brilliance was undermined by paranoid schizophrenia .

Facing challenges that have destroyed others, Nash fought back, with the help of his devoted wife Alicia. After decades of hardship, he triumphed over tragedy and received a Nobel Prize in 1994.

April 4: Princess Camilla - Winner Takes All (TVB Pearl, 8.30-9.30pm)

Camilla Parker Bowles has waited more than 30 years to become Prince Charles' wife. Their engagement marked the end of a long wait for her. Her patience has been rewarded.

What had gone on behind the gates of Buckingham Palace to cause such a turnaround ? Had Charles finally got his own way or, perhaps, had he been forced to make a choice - Camilla or the throne ? This programme investigates the history of the relationship between Charles and Camilla and what the future may hold for them. Will the shadow of Diana affect their marriage? Can Camilla ever win the hearts of the public?

April 5: The Dark Side of Everest (TVB Pearl, 9.30-10.30pm)

Over the past five decades, nearly 10,000 men and women have tried to climb Mount Everest. Fewer than 500 have succeeded. Those that do are granted new views of the world, and of themselves. But for every 60 climbers that leave base camp in an average season, only four will reach the summit - and two will die. Why is it that so few make it to the top? The answer lies in a struggle with the elements that conspire against life.

April 6: Jet Set (TVB Pearl, 8.30-9.30pm)

This programme takes a peek at some of the most expensive hotel rooms in the world which only the very richest people ever get a glimpse of.

Celebrity Hotel Room: Renaissance Hollywood Hotel (Los Angeles); Exotic Hotel Room: The Peninsula Hotel (Hong Kong); Euro Hotel Room: Cala Di Volpe (Sardinia, Italy); Royal Hotel Room: New York Palace (New York); Yosemite Hotel Room: Villa Sureau (Oakhurst, CA); Hotel Room on Water: Bora Bora Nui Resort (Bora Bora); Safest Hotel Room: St Regis Hotel (Los Angeles); Pool-in-the-Sky Hotel Room: The Shore Club (Miami); Ski-in Hotel Room: Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch (Avon, CO); Colonial Culture Hotel Room: Williamsburg Inn (Williamsburg, VA).

April 7: Extreme Engineering - Subways in America (TVB Pearl, 9.35-10.35pm)

By 1850, the populations of America's biggest cities were swollen and crying out for reliable, cheap mass transit. New York City opted for elevated railways, and by 1890 had 150km of them. Mayor Abram Hewitt fought for an interborough subway.

In less than 30 years, New York had about 1,000km of underground track and more than 4 million passengers bumping along, making a living and, in the process, turning America into a colossus.

* Programmes subject to scheudule changes

Post