Jawbone - Film Review (Cunard British Film Festival 2017)

by Jen (subscribe)

Event: 24/10/2017 - 15/11/2017

Starring Johnny Harris (writer and producer) and supported by an incredible cast made up of Ray Winstone (gym owner Bill), Michael Smiley (corner-man Eddie) and Ian McShane (promoter Joe), Jawbone is a 91 min boxing drama, and the screenwriting debut of the BAFTA-nominated lead actor Harris, of This is England fame.

Based on Harris' youth as an amateur fighter, his performance is career-defining as Jimmy McCabe, a former junior boxing champion who slides down a dark hole through alcohol addiction. Alone and desperate, he returns to his childhood boxing club and the only family he has left. Years after anyone thought he'd be a contender, he gets back in training, risking his life, to stand tall and regain his place in the world.


This film is yet another confirmation of what we've come to expect of great British films. Harris is powerful from the get-go, his eyes, deep pools of emotions. He draws you in easily with his stellar performance, taking you on his journey of pain and desperation. Having Winstone, Smiley and McShane in his corner is just the cherry on top.

This is not a film just about boxing or 'the big fight'. It's filled with emotion and drama and one man's fight with his demons. I wonder if like me, you'd be surprised how emotional and teary one can get in an unlikely film of boxing, filled with burly men. You'd be doing yourself an injustice if you missed this one. Everything about it is breathtaking.

Just one of many on offer at this film festival - be sure to check out other gems on offer.

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Why? Cunard British Film Festival 2017

When: SYD: 24 Oct-15 Nov; MEL / PER: 26 Oct-15 Nov; BRIS / CAN / ADE: 25 Oct-15 Nov 2017

Website: https://britishfilmfestival.com.au

Where: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth

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