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Issue:- 4 July 2013

Film Review:- "Hummingbird - Redemption"
Report by
Patrick Trollope

NOW this film has not had a lot of press attention and, in my view, it is one that should have had. Still more confusing is the fact that in the UK it is marketed as:- 'Hummingbird' and the US it is called:- 'Redemption'. It was not my first choice to see, but I am so glad I did go. It is one of those films that not many people know and is very sad. What few reports and trailers there are about, do suggest that it is excellent, and we agree. This plot is gripping and extremely plausible, but if you are expecting all out action, well this is not the film for you! We consider it to be one of the most underrated movies this year.

The main character, Joey, is played by Jason Statham, not normally the man you might expect to see in a serious/dramatic role, yet alone a Steve Knight drama about London's seedy underbelly. But his delivery and the supporting cast, in particular the co-star Agata Buzek, who plays a nun called Cristina, really do deliver very natural and convincing performances.

This is a very intellectual film and is aimed at a higher IQ market than the regular rabble films being released by Hollywood of late. I was very surprised to hear the reactions of a group of 17 year old girls, at the end, who wanted more. Not that they did not like it, but quite the opposite! They said they fully enjoyed it and, at the other side of the scale, so did my Dad. Yet I have been told that the local cinemas have found that quite a few Jason Statham 'fans' have gone away disappointed and have hated it. This disappointment is probably a result of Jason being better known for his action man roles in the crime films like Transporter, Revolver, Snatch, and Lock, Stock and 2 Smoking Barrels. This film is not set around the action, but around the story. So what exactly is this plot? It is really not that complex, but I will not go into it fully, as it will spoil the film. It heavily revolves around psychological problems, morality, sex, homelessness and drug/alcohol addiction. If your idea of a true recipe for a good engaging drama is like CSI or Dexter, then this plot might be for you! The story features a homeless man, going by the name Joey, who is on the run from a military court martial. He is a 'damaged' ex-special forces soldier; who has made it home from Afghanistan to the streets of London. Trying to navigate round London, without popping up on the authority's radar, he gets caught up in a petty crime. This leads on to the character's background being revealed and the social injustice he has faced and is still facing. Along the way he gets an opportunity to assume another man's identity, thus transforming into an avenging angel or devil in the process. As this new opportunity presents itself, he is drawn deeper into a gritty and violent London underworld. It is only near the end you see the true nature of the 2 main characters come through and the connection to the film's title becomes apparent. The plot has a dramatic heart beating at its centre and, if you let it deliver with an open mind, you will be truly rewarded. This is both a dark, bloody movie and, oddly, very engaging. The kind of sub plot, the relationship between Jason and the other main character, Cristina, was very well done too. Their actions and conversations made me laugh, smile and cry throughout the film. This film has so many powerful messages hidden in it, I think; I will have to go back a few times to find them all. The overriding one is that it suggests it's never too late to make a difference. The other is, what cost is one willing to pay to make a difference? Oddly, unlike many so called 'high brow' films this does not pretend to have hidden meanings as that the story alone is the vehicle for the film's plot to move on.

Stunts and fights are plentiful, but like most of the story, it blends in to the flow easily and is logical and as realistic as you can get in film. Do not expect large explosions and bands for the sake of it.

When it comes to the aesthetics of the film, oddly it is not that special, like the story but it was packed full of views oozing a strange electrifying quality that made you feel like you are there. This was backed up with the audio track, which was very well edited and thought out. Music and background sounds are used to highlight the plot and not as fillers or as over dramatic announcements which was very refreshing. The cinematography is magnificent to watch, capturing City's scale and at times its beauty, but simultaneously exposing the cracks. Its filming angles are more what you would expect on wildlife documentary, but with the same attention to detail to sets and lighting, as in many of the greatest art films. It had a feel of the cult TV show, the Equalizer, thanks to the camera positions. Yet the angles and lighting does not jump out at you, as in many action or horror films. Strangely, it has a distinct lack of anything overly shot and it is the simple panoramic placement shots, capturing the odd view London's sky line, which gives this film its great depth. Both the audio and the filming make you feel far more familiar with its surroundings and that is its selling point. This unusual, apparently minimalist, approach adds to the characters' portrayal and completes the package.

To sum this film up; go with a closed mind, expecting to see yet another of Jason's previous works and you will be heading out of the cinema disappointed. If you go with an open mind, you will enjoy watching this film. In our view it is one of the best films we have seen in years. I cannot see it winning awards, as it has been too overlooked, yet I am compelled to say that it should! Don't bother reading the negative reviews from action fans, this film will and does deliver if you let it! For us we give this a well deserved 5 out of 5, despite some movie sites, bowing to the action fans, who give it a slightly above average score. I think it will be a "suck it and see" film for many!


5 stars out of 5

Director:- Steven Knight
Running time:- 100 minutes
Cinematography:- Chris Menges
UK Age Rating:- 15

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