Fisherman's Friends

If you liked THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY, you'll be inclined to like this; it will help if you're a fan of sea shanties.

Despite its slimline script, FISHERMAN'S FRIENDS has a lot of charm. We're in POLDARK territory, so the scenery is a guaranteed hit, and the fishermen are a likeable (mixed) bunch. All in all, there's a healthy dollop of the feel-good factor that made THE FULL MONTY and the MARIGOLD HOTEL movies such crowd-pleasers.

Based on a true story, Fisherman's Friends tells the tale of a music exec from London (Daniel Mays) who winds up in Cornwall. He ends up making stars of a group of singing fishermen. Along the way, the music executive realizes what's important in life.

Yes, a bit predictable, but it's a fun, warm film with plenty of atmosphere and excellent performances from Mays, David Hayman, Maggie Steed, James Purefoy, Noel Clarke, Tuppence Middleton, and the others.

Not a special effects blockbuster with action stars, but good nonetheless.

A group of music executives from London get stranded in a tiny Cornish fishing port when their holiday yacht fails to arrive. While making the most of it they're exposed to a traditional sailor's shanty. One of them gets left behind to sign up the fishermen to a music contract.

This film of underdog makes good is based on real events. It's a gentle drama punctuated with some great songs. The comedy elements are well done while the romance feels a bit of an afterthought.

Sleepy Cornwall is nicely portrayed against the bustle of London as is its tough living and deeply held traditions. The scenery is nicely shot.

There's a little swearing but otherwise it's safe for children though the pacing may leave them restless. Just sit back and let the airs roll you into gentle bliss.

Every year some British gem pops up in the cinema, destined to be added to my blu ray collection, a film guaranteed to lift the spirits for years to come. This is 2019's feel good film, yes you know the story, and yes you can figure out every possible turn even if you don't, but it's just such a lovely movie.

We get one man's journey of self discovery and realisation of what's important, and we get the story of ten fishermen, who's talent is harnessed against all odds.

What an assembled cast, Daniel Mays, David Hayman, and of course the wonderful Maggie Steed, but it's the poker faced James Purefoy who stands out, he is marvellous.

It has fun moments, funny lines, serious elements, and of course several heart warming scenes. All in all, it's a winner. 8/10

This is nice gentle comedy that plays out pretty much as you'd expect but that's not to disparage it in any way because it delivers precisely what you'd want it to. The real life personalities on which the story is based will be able to distinguish historical fact from liberties taken for the sake of the narrative of course. The audience knows that happens but that doesn't take anything away from the charm of the film. Had it played out a little less conventionally and a few of the supporting performances been sharper I'd have rated it a 9.

There's some nice humour that stems naturally from the tight knit community friendships when an outsider comes into their lives, and some truly wonderful harmonies in the singing of those shanties. I'm not a folk song enthusiast but there's no denying the music is resonant and lyrical. Definitely one I'll add to my collection on Blu-ray because I think it has repeat viewing potential as one of my 'feel good' film collection.