Rocky meets I, Daniel Blake in the bleak but moving Brit flick, Jawbone
Sun Film Critic reckons the low-budget boxing movie packs a terrific punch
JIMMY McCABE is a former youth boxing champ struggling against addiction and eviction when he returns to his childhood boxing club via the bottom of a bottle of Smirnoff.
At times bleak but always moving, this low-budget British movie is Rocky meets I, Daniel Blake – and it packs a terrific punch (sorry).
Johnny Harris is simply superb as Jimmy – his understated and desperate performance is heartbreaking.
He has a face that sucks empathy from the audience as we follow him through anger to tearful redemption.
There is also a blinding supporting cast. Michael Smiley absolutely nails it as stoic and stern corner-man Eddie.
Ray Winstone gives his warmest and most delicate performance for ages as gym owner Bill.
And Ian McShane even pops up for a cameo.
The finale fight is utterly brutal and cleverly shot – you feel every unglamorous, bloody punch.
A raw, honest and touching film as much about grief and dependency as it is about boxing.
★★★★
