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 genuinely smile-inducing true story, small-scale British film Fisherman's Friends is the type of sufficiently delivered cinematic offering that knows exactly what it is and sticks to its formula throughout, as you're likely to walk away from a screening tapping your feet and poorly reciting sea shanties long into the night.

Absolutely British through and through, FriendsHollywoodizes the story of well-known U.K folk/shanty group Fisherman's Friends, who against all the odds graduated from playing gigs to locals in Cornwall pubs to becoming one of the most successful performing groups on the British charts and in live performances.

It's a feel-good film, one with all the tried and true tropes of the genre that have been there since the dawn of cinema but director Chris Foggin never lets things get too mawkish or unbearable as he instead, with help from his likeable group of on screen rogues, ensures that you can't help but enjoy the simple delights of this against the odds true life tale.

Led by the as per usual gruff and raw James Purefoy as the groups rugged leader Jim and the likeable Daniel Mays as big-shot London record label worker Danny, Friend's loaded ensemble all acquit themselves well and while there are too many players to get to know well and a tacked on romance that isn't overly necessary between Danny and Tuppence Middleton's Alwyn, it's not enough to detour from the joys Friends has install throughout its runtime.

From early morning shanty singalongs out on the bay of the seaside setting, pub set group shenanigans and some heart-warming moments of loss, love and reflection, Friends does a great job of being more than just a loveable comedy as it touches on some important themes and ideas around its more fun and frivolous shanty-filled world.

It never threatens to transcend into anything greater than a really enjoyable good time, one that will not stick with you for the long-haul, but with such a lightness of touch and with its heart well and truly in the right place, Friends is one of the most purely enjoyable films of its type to be found in recent years, and a film that will likely be discovered and enjoyed more in the coming years after its low-key initial run.

Final Say -

You don't have to be a sea shanty singing sailor to have a great time with Fisherman's Friends, a likeable and fun true life tale that is the perfect antidote to a hard day at the office.

3 ½ paddle boards out of 5

I did not expect this film to be so good! It really portrays the sense of community, tradition and most of all, love for culture and heritage. I find it really touching. Fantastic!

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.

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.