Jawbone (2017) User Reviews

British Grittville

[Theo Robertson · 6/10 · 15 June 2017]

A former boxer with promise returns to his old stomping ground on the mean streets of London hoping for one last chance of success

Stop me if you've heard this one before but .... what you stopped me as soon as I came to this page? Fair enough. JAWBONE is a traditional type of gritty drama of a washed out boxer trying to get his life back on track. If you're expecting the big budget feel good Hollywood factor try somewhere else because this is a gloomy British movie

Actually this is maybe a little bit too gloomy. It's got that British independent feel. It's well made where the social realism shines through but it's not a film where you walk out of the cinema clicking your heels. On top of that unlike a lot of boxing films you've seen from ROCKY to RAGING BULL director Thomas Napper ensures that if you're hit with a high velocity fist then it will hurt and cut you

One minor complaint is that some people be fooled in to watching a film starring Winstone and McShane and there can't be a single movie in Britain who doesn't love these two legends but the reality is their parts are minor with McShane literally appearing in one walk on scene . Instead it's Johnny Harris as boxer Jimmy and Michael Smiley who carry the film. Smiley in particular is very good but the story is one you've seen before

Predictable yet involving

[Jithindurden · 6/10 · 24 November 2017]

Based on the lead actor's own life experiences a told to death boxing story is made with heart. The power-packed performance from all around the cast is the driving force of the film. This dark and gritty British drama has a final boxing match that has to be one of the most authentic representations of that sports in a film. Even though the story is predictable the film was able to keep me involved but still, there's nothing new in here either.

Nothing revalatory, but beautifully executed and superb lead performance

[yatseyjunior · 7/10 · 7 April 2020]

If you're expecting Rocky, toss those expectations in the bin. This is a film that has bathed itself in the grittiness often found in British cinema, then dressed in a suit of P10 sandpaper.

Although the plot is hardly a revalation, it is beautifully written and directed. Despite having big names like McShane and Winston, it is Johnny Harris who knocks it out of the park with an engaging and real performance.

Not for those after an easy watch, or balls to the wall action.

He wants to return to his glory days!

[Reno-Rangan · 6/10 · 24 September 2017]

Another boxing film and this time its from Britain. Seems a small scale film. Most part of the film was a drama. But the entire final act was the event what everyone had waited for. Like any boxing film, it had the same story that a struggling boxer wants to get back to his professional position and he's intended to do anything for it.

The pre-developments were a perfect setting for the what comes in the latter. More than that, a fine base laid for a sequel. This film was average, to me, but its open ending could take it to an even better level in his next. Because of the platform, it could become a small 'Rocky' series, if the filmmakers are willing to go that length. Besides, the title name was an ideal one for such sport.

An ex-boxing sensation seeks his return to the ring after losing everything in the life. Recovering from alcoholic, the age is not on his side to get his glory back. No one is supportive. All he has is his firm mindset. But can he do it, especially the professional level challenge is being far fetched, what are all his other options and how far he would go are the remaining story to tell us.

An okay film for a first time director. The cast looked okay too, and so the screenplay, even though built from a very familiar background. It tried its best to get the viewers sympathically with its main character. But not everyone gets that emotional appeal as he struggles. Particularly the final fight was guessable its direction. So not much impressive as it should have been, as there are great numbers of boxing films coming out every year. Just one time watchable film, otherwise not necessarily need to be watched, even if you love boxing.

6/10

A redemption fight with heart

[shakercoola · 6/10 · 25 June 2018]

A British drama; A story about a former youth boxing champion who has fallen on hard times, drawn to the demon drink, but with a glimmer of hope smouldering and crackling enough to burn off any excess fat, alcohol and personal redundancy. Johnny Harris delivers a believable performance risking his life for a meagre pay day against a backdrop of an inner London estate that he calls home albeit disappearing around him which presents a powerful undertone. He turns to the only family he has left: a boxing gym owner. Ray Winstone plays this straight forward good egg; his corner man is the suitably supportive Michael Smiley. Ian McShane is sharp and slick as the promoter, and the foil. The film is tightly scripted, well-balanced and of good length and unsurprisingly good repeat viewing with very little histrionics. The drawbacks are plot progression. It has a well-worn boxing narrative and lacks cinematic scale. That said, it is a well-observed modern day boxing drama.

VERY ON POINT STORY

[mikemcmillan2002 · 7/10 · 31 March 2019]

To those who know the struggle, the story of this fight is as plain as a boxing glove smacking the nose on your face. It is most definitely not a boxing story, but boxing is a main character.

Ken Loach in boxing

[searchanddestroy-1 · 27 October 2017]

That's certainly a true UK movie, far, far, far better than the US crap, such as ROCKY series and other SOUTHPAW with happy ending for sissies. This is TRUE life, true f... life. If you are depressed, ready to commit suicide, avoid this so beautiful but AUTHENTIC story about a world in which you are about to be crashed, poisoned, cheated and smashed if you are not lucky and strong enough to survive. Acting, directing, editing are superb. A so moving tale about a garbage world where only the strongest can make it in the end. Struggle, struggle and struggle again, that's the name of the game. Ken Loach could have made it. The social agency scene in the beginning reminded me I DANIEL BAKE. Such a shame that this beautiful little movie won't be released in France. Maybe in DVD only. A real must see.

Gritty, well acted boxing drama

[Vindelander · 7/10 · 31 March 2020]

As boxing films go this is very well produced and Johnny Harris has acted out his own story convincingly. Support from Ian McShane and Ray Winstone add depth but it's a raw and tragic story. Not quite up to Raging Bull but easily as good as the Rocky movies (which are admittedly poor).

Glad I watched it. It's not glamorous but it's a decent portrayal of the real life of a boxer and a man down on his luck.

The Anti-Rocky, and a Heck of a film

[A_Different_Drummer · 9/10 · 10 June 2017]

Take everything you thought you knew about boxing movies ... and forget it.

Instead of a movie about someone looking to break into the sport, here is a movie about someone looking to break into Life, having wasted most of theirs. And boxing is all he knows.

It is a testament to the skill of the writer and director that, by the time the big fight arrives, you the audience don't have a clue how it will turn out. That by itself is an accomplishment.

Speaking of accomplishments, Harris hands us one of the most amazing performances I have ever seen. To re-use a tired cliché, he literally delivers most of his dialog in this film with his eyes.

And Winstone may possibly have delivered one of the most subtle and nuanced performances of his career, and makes max use of every second of screen time.

You could possibly say it is a modern update of Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962). Or you could simply call it what it is -- an extraordinary movie.

Recommended? Hell, yes.

((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

A downbeat, tough and rewarding boxing drama

[vampire_hounddog · 7/10 · 7 November 2020]

A once promising boxer (Johnny Harris) has become an angry alcoholic struggling to get by. He becomes homeless, but takes up training again when he gets an offer to go back into the ring in an unlicensed boxing match.

Scripted by Harris himself, this tried and tested sporting storyline again proves to work well in this downbeat British sports drama. Harris is more than believable in this personal pet project for him, while Ray Winstone provides another tough guy performance as does usual Ben Wheatley regular Michael Smiley as the coach.

Nothing to get excited over

[angelsunchained · 5/10 · 28 March 2018]

I wanted to like this film and was hopeful it would turn out to be another Fat City. However, it is really nothing special. Little real character development. You can't relate to the main charcater because you have very little to go by. The majority of the film is the star looking glum, walking around the streets at night and training in the gym. Honestly, I couldn't of cared less if he wins his fight or not. The acting is good; but it is basically the same thing over and over. Better off watching Fat City as Stacy Keach as a washed up fighter making a comeback is ten times better then Jawbone.

Tremendous boxing Saga true to life....

[stephenw-30180 · 8/10 · 12 June 2017]

There are only four or five reviews on this film thus far and the overwhelming majority rate it at 8 of 10, or above. There is always the token "nay-sayer", but, everyone is entitled to their opinion. Even when ridiculous.

This stellar film is about a Boxer struggling with alcohol and other demons were not privy to in the story. Nor does it make much difference as the film is more about the human spirit and will then anything else. Boxing is simply the vehicle it rides on that back of to tell its tale.

Anything with Ray Winstone and Ian McShane, IMO, is worth the price of a theater ticket. But , they have small roles in this film. They are, nonetheless, great in the scenes they are in, as expected. It's not the big Box office names that carry this heartfelt, gritty, anti-hero superb film, it's the awesome acting of Johnny Harris and Michael Smiley that make this bittersweet human interest story so great.

Of the decades of "Rockyesque" type boxing films, which are pure fiction, (although Rocky was a great film, every other, garbage) this was a realistic tale of a fighter down on his heels and suffering from life challenges, yet with a spirit unbroken. The protagonist is not out for fame and fortune, recognition nor revenge. He is an average man with little in his life and a loner. No spoilers here....so I won't get too into the plot. I will say, with absolute certainty......if you are a fan of witnessing the strength of the human spirit and like to avoid the big Hollywood type nonsense usually regurgitated every few years on the silver screen using Boxing as its venue, then you will love this film.

I highly recommend it. It is 90 minutes that passes like 20!

Not what I expected

[tlarraya · 2/10 · 11 June 2017]

We normally enjoy boxing films, as well as any other sports movies. We like the overcome aspects, the sense of achievement. There is none of that in this film. The protagonist is an old boxer and you can't relate to him because he never explains what he is expecting to achieve, what is his motivation. The acting is good. It was just not what I was expecting.

One of the better boxing movies

[valleyjohn · 8/10 · 12 June 2017]

Imagine if you can that Mike Leigh or Ken Loach decided to do a boxing film then Jawbone wouldn't be too far away from they would come up with and that is by no means a criticism in fact I really liked this. This is the story of a former youth boxing champion Jimmy McCabe who, after hitting rock bottom, returns to his childhood boxing club and his old team, gym owner Bill and corner man Eddie but to make ends meet he agree to take an unlicensed fight against someone much bigger and younger than himself. This film is not so much about boxing but about the struggle against alcoholism. Johnny Harris is brilliant and the troubled fighter and genuinely looks like he can box. There isn't a bad performance in this film. Ray Winstone and Ian McShane do what they do best and Michael Smiley is great also. If I has to pick a hole in this film and believe me it's hard . its that the person they got to be Jimmy's opponent didn't look like he knew how to box despite being ripped. Overall though a very good film.

A movie with heart...

[happeeman · 8/10 · 6 June 2017]

I really liked this UK movie about an alcoholic boxer who is down on his luck and is given a chance at redemption. Okay, not an original movie but certainly one where you care about the main character Jimmy. It could have been better, as it was slow in parts, but the last fifteen minutes are the best boxing moments I have seen in a movie. I was screaming at the screen for Jimmy (Johnny Harris, brilliantly played) and for him to recover from his pugilistic pummeling. Director Thomas Napper has done a great job, though he could have ramped up the tension if he's tried a little harder. Ian McShane and Ray winstone were only there to entice viewers to watch it and did very little for the film. But, nevertheless, I totally recommend this movie. I want to see more from Napper in the future.

A no nonsense film that hits all the marks!

[leeroyreddy · 9/10 · 15 June 2017]

The story of a man down on his luck is as familiar as it gets. Boxing as a metaphor for human struggle and inner conflict is also very much tried and tested. So for star and writer of this redemption tale, Johnny Harris, to come up with something so endearingly heartfelt is a testament to the mans talent and ability.

I never write about a films plot, I only like to convey a sense of what the experience provided etc. This film will make you feel something; empathy, sadness, hope, pity - all the ingredients of a rock bottom and up film.

Yes, it's a boxing film. But that shouldn't deter viewers who don't enjoy the pugilistic genre or sport itself. This is a brilliantly written, produced and acted film that focuses on one man's incredibly bleak prospects and overcoming the insurmountable he has created for himself. A man who is proud yet lacking dignity and how he turns to the only vestige he knows in order to claw it back.

This is a no nonsense film that ticks every box you could hope for in an indie flick. Expertly directed by Thomas Napper it manages to avoid all the many tropes and hackneyed marks that most boxing films run into and leaves you feeling privileged to have seen it.

Unexpected

[justice_for_allro · 10/10 · 23 June 2017]

Unexpectedly good boxing/addiction movie considering the amount of Hollywood and European movies produced in the last 50 years.

It's hard to explore new territories, and not using the usual clichés most boxing films rely on. Jawbone doesn't innovate or bring new concepts here, but the execution is great.

Acting is very good, supporting cast does a good job, Johnny Harris is an actor that can communicate without the use overacting, which is rare nowadays.

The cinematography is beautiful sometimes, has that independent flick vibe. There are some closeup shots and some details that look great (one takes places at night, in the gym, where you can see the steam of the body heat that rises).

Some say it has no point, it does not prove anything ... I'd say otherwise, it's an episode in someone's life, and much like in reality, the end doesn't have to be always very meaningful and reach a climax.

It felt like an honest movie, depicting reality, hopelessness without using the motivation clichés that will make some feel good in the end.

Highly recommended, for boxing fans and anti mainstream cinema fans.

Jawbone packs a punch

[Johnxf · 9/10 · 18 May 2017]

Boxing has proved fertile ground for writers and directors. Jawbone is certainly a welcome addition and deserves to be seen. One of the strongest elements to film is the tight script that like its protagonist is lean and, eventually, determined.

The film starts with Jimmy McCabe (Johnny Harris) having reached rock bottom, viewing the world through the bottom of a vodka bottle and close to eviction from his late mother's flat. Very much a character driven piece, the film involves and reveals slowly with small vignettes of Jimmy and those who supported him.

Ray winstone and Ian mcshane are excellent but it's Michael smiley who takes the plaudits as Jimmy seeks some kind of redemption. Well worth searching out!!

Raw And Gritty

[destinylives52 · 9/10 · 28 August 2017]

Manny's Movie Musings: "Jawbone" is about a homeless, alcoholic ex-boxer (played by Johnny Harris, who also wrote the script) who seeks to get his life in order with the help of two friends (played by Ray Winstone and Michael Smiley) who run a boxing gym that Harris is secretly crashing in every night. Out of cash and without a job, Harris seeks an underground, boxing match with a younger, stronger fighter. A creepy gangster played by Ian McShane sets up the fight, and Harris will have to struggle with and suppress all his demons so that he can be in the best shape possible and give the crowd their money's worth…and come out of the fight alive. "Jawbone" is a raw, dark (literally and figuratively) story of one man's battle against his own, self-destructive nature. My most memorable, movie moment is the scene when Harris holds a bottle of liquor, staring at it, contemplating whether to drink it or not. Harris' eyes, his facial expressions…all show the torment in his soul fighting against his addiction.

Mannysmemorablemoviemoments

British film-making at its best

[michael-kerrigan-526-124974 · 9/10 · 20 October 2018]

Jawbone. The best boxing themed film I've ever seen and a contender for film of the year. It's a low budget British drama and probably won't get an audience, unlike the far inferior recent boxing 'dramas' Southpaw and Creed. British film-making at its best. Brilliantly acted (and written, and produced by Jonny Harris - who BTW was in London to Brighton - another stunning British masterpiece). More like the brilliant "The Wrestler" than any recent boxing films. 9 out of ten.

Deeper than just another boxing movie

[stus-42284 · 10/10 · 7 June 2017]

I gave this film a 10 because it is a perfect piece of cinema. At the end I didn't find myself wanting to improve on any aspect, which I often find myself doing with so many films and TV. as I've seen so many in my lifetime that I suppose I am a hard man to impress. But, impressed I am.

The script is indeed, "TIGHT AND LEAN," as the previous reviewer mentioned.

Compelling from start to finish, this is a fresh story that shows a man fighting his demons in every waking minute. Such is this battle that it manifests as a form of continuous self punishment. But also the anger within, proves to be the fight inside that could save him.

An incredible acting performance by Johnny Harris, who I have had my eye on for some time now, I hope this propels him into more leading roles.

The direction is crisp and doesn't dwell unnecessarily in sentimentalism, but it isn't cold and stark. This is not Rocky, or The Wrestler, it is more. Powerful and engaging.

One of the best British films you will see.

Excellent movie carried by strong performances

[robrmcc · 10/10 · 6 June 2017]

I gave this movie a 10/10 review which seems a bit silly, but really for what it is I cannot really see it being much better. Acting, writing and direction was all really very good. The story is a simple one and familiar but very compelling for all that. The main characters were very real, relate-able and likable. Made me want to know them and I find myself wondering how they all made out. Jimmy portrayed the desperation of a real addict, but at the same time a quiet dignity and determination even in the face of his own weakness and the likelihood of relapse. Really liked it a lot and I don't say that about many movies.

Much Better Than I Had Expected.

[ChronicCinephilia · 8/10 · 1 August 2018]

Most of the modern fight movies depicting boxing are absolute garbage. I did like The Fighter with Christian Bale but that's the only one I can think of...until Jawbone.

Jawbone is a story of alcoholism, isolation, and a man just trying to get by with nothing. It reminds me a little bit of The Wrestler with Mickey Rourke which was also a very solid film.

There's a lot of clichés in Jawbone but that doesn't mean it's a bad movie. I remember watching an interview with Tarantino in which he said the stories of Pulp Fiction are all 'ones you've seen before but told in a different way' and that makes it special. It's the delivery of the story that makes a movie special even if it lacks originality in its themes.

This is a very solid movie and I enjoyed it very much. Sadly, it'll never get the recognition it deserves because the movie industry is oversaturated with very poorly made fight movies aimed at knuckle heads. Young men want to watch Fast And Furious type trash, or some story about a badass MMA fighter, and this is probably the demographic who will stumble across Jawbone and dislike it because it's not what they were expecting. This is a movie with a story and soul it's not about kicking ass, cars, and half naked women.

In any case, I'd just like to say well done to everyone involved in making the movies - I'm not easily pleased but you've achieved that with this movie.

For anyone who has faced true adversity

[dgrozier · 10/10 · 17 October 2018]

Pedigree fight movie. Great characters ,authentic training and fighting. If you've had any life experience or any real training expericience ,you will relish the honest portrayal. All quality. Lots of insights. I feel some of the low reviews are from peolple with no business watching fight films,people with no life experience or kids wanting some fairytale hype. In a sea of superficial super heroes and lame cliches this film stands on its own regardless of the theme. More heart than Phar Lap.

Bullseye

[jasbjelland · 10/10 · 3 January 2022]

When Bill looks at Jimmy and says, "you used to be such a good boy... you used to smile and laugh... what the hell happened to you?" That my friends is what happens when you create a world around booze... movie was so on the point that it caught me off guard on how accurate the journey is out of a bottle. Something amazing here.

Thank you for the great movie!