One of my all time favorites.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

It's a good bad... and worth a popcorn matinée. While it's easy to lament what could have been...

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

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.

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!

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.

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.