While he is best known for over the top action, such as Crank, The Expendables, and The Transporter, every so often Jason Statham, will throw out something a tad more dramatic, showing that he isn't just about running, gunning, and the funny one liner. The Bank Job was one, and now Hummingbird is the latest. Written by Eastern Promises screenwriter Steven Knight, who also makes his directorial debut here, the film (known as Redemption in America) follows Statham's Joey, an ex-British soldier living rough on the streets of London, his days filled with coping with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from his days in Afghanistan. Running from a brutal beating, Joey breaks in an apartment abandoned by its wealthy owner. Assuming the mans identity, he attempts to put his life back on track, seeking the aid of a young nun, Sister Cristina (Agata Buzek). But when someone he cares for is found brutally murdered, he must choose between redemption and revenge.
Much like Eastern Promises, Hummingbird concerns itself with the seedier side of London. From the dilapidated alleyways filled with homeless to the guady, neon saturated hangouts of gangsters both bigtime and small, Joey's journey is never presented as clear cut. He may ultimately be a good man, but his actions straddle a very thin line of good and bad. He may buy mountains of food for the homeless people at the local soup kitchen (though it is is suggested this is to impress Sister Cristina more than anything else), but he spends his days ferrying around drugs and gangsters, roughing up his bosses rivals, basically adding to the misery he experienced first hand during his time on the street. So yeah, Joey isn't a clean cut hero, and it is how he tries to balance his dreams of redemption with his thirst for revenge that makes the movie so compelling. At times it feels at odds with itself (if I have to be honest, it does get a bit daft at times), some scenes presenting a much lighter tone than what preceded them, and the finale may be signposted from the first act, but it's shortcomings are minor. Everything is superbly shot by Knight, who, having already shone in the writing department, shows he is no slouch in the directors chair, keeping the pace flowing through some energetic editing.
Statham really impresses here. He does get to show off his fighting skills, and every so often he will revert to his usual cheeky chappie mode, but Joey isn't a character you would normally associate with him. Statham imbues him with a lot of charm and subtlety, really letting you under his skin. When his PTSD manifests itself, it is almost harrowing to watch, these scenes presented with unflinching starkness. Agata Buzek is also perfect in the role of Sister Cristina, handling her fair share of the dramatic weight, and playing off Statham quite well. Running alongside the misery and brutality of Joey's journey is a very sweet love story for the pair, sold nicely by both actors.
A tremendous debut for Knight, showing he has a good career in the directing chair ahead of him, Hummingbird has a lot of heart and some great performances at its core. Well worth a night out at the cinema.
Much like Eastern Promises, Hummingbird concerns itself with the seedier side of London. From the dilapidated alleyways filled with homeless to the guady, neon saturated hangouts of gangsters both bigtime and small, Joey's journey is never presented as clear cut. He may ultimately be a good man, but his actions straddle a very thin line of good and bad. He may buy mountains of food for the homeless people at the local soup kitchen (though it is is suggested this is to impress Sister Cristina more than anything else), but he spends his days ferrying around drugs and gangsters, roughing up his bosses rivals, basically adding to the misery he experienced first hand during his time on the street. So yeah, Joey isn't a clean cut hero, and it is how he tries to balance his dreams of redemption with his thirst for revenge that makes the movie so compelling. At times it feels at odds with itself (if I have to be honest, it does get a bit daft at times), some scenes presenting a much lighter tone than what preceded them, and the finale may be signposted from the first act, but it's shortcomings are minor. Everything is superbly shot by Knight, who, having already shone in the writing department, shows he is no slouch in the directors chair, keeping the pace flowing through some energetic editing.
Statham really impresses here. He does get to show off his fighting skills, and every so often he will revert to his usual cheeky chappie mode, but Joey isn't a character you would normally associate with him. Statham imbues him with a lot of charm and subtlety, really letting you under his skin. When his PTSD manifests itself, it is almost harrowing to watch, these scenes presented with unflinching starkness. Agata Buzek is also perfect in the role of Sister Cristina, handling her fair share of the dramatic weight, and playing off Statham quite well. Running alongside the misery and brutality of Joey's journey is a very sweet love story for the pair, sold nicely by both actors.
A tremendous debut for Knight, showing he has a good career in the directing chair ahead of him, Hummingbird has a lot of heart and some great performances at its core. Well worth a night out at the cinema.
