Rocky meets I, Daniel Blake in the bleak but moving Brit flick, Jawbone

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.

★★★★