Journeyman

2017

1 hr. 32 min.

Drama

List

85%

39 Reviews

Tomatometer

72%

100+ Ratings

Audience Score

A boxer's life is impacted by a serious head injury.

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Critics Consensus

Journeyman finds writer-director-star Paddy Considine gutting out a boxing drama whose familiar narrative contours are countered by an array of powerful performances.

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isla s

This is a film about endurance and strength, that is emotional, physical and mental endurance and strength. Its about picking up the pieces. It is inevitably a tough watch at times, with Paddy seemingly struggling to regain himself, to remember and act appropriately. Jodie Whittaker does a great job as his wife and its a thoughtful film. It handles the themes well and I thought it was a gritty and poignant watch which I'd recommend.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Manny P

I could watch Considine till the cows come home, but this was an uppercut that missed the target.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/15/22

Full Review

Audience Member

Having had a brain tumour I totally understand what paddy Constantine did in this movie.....I have questioned myself was I that way to. I could not understand the lack of support he got from the hospital.....I was given a care and support package but in this that seems woefully absent.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/07/23

Full Review

Matthew W

The always watchable Considine who not only directs but also puts in a truly powerful performance, playing Matty Burton an ageing boxer who suffers a life changing brain injury while defending his belt. Unlike most boxing movies this focuses on the impact a near death injury has on him & his family.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/16/20

Full Review

Audience Member

From the writer/director of 2011's Tyrannosaur comes Journeyman, easily one of the best films I watched int he year or release. but also another film to add to that list of films that are ‘super tough to watch' but so rewarding when you do venture into the world. Paddy once again reminds us (not that we need reminding) why he is one of the UKs best actors, filmmakers and writers with this hard hitting (and thats not even meant to be a boxing pun) drama that whilst does feature Paddy Considine in the main role of Matty, it also showcases yet again why Jodie Whittaker is top notch with her acting skills. I cant say enough good things about Journeyman, and whilst it doesnt have the popcorn feel of a Rocky movie, its certainly one of the best and probably realistic films about the sport of boxing that is in existence and with some of the best performances I have watched this year, its films like Journeyman that remind me why I love film so much. I did hear a rumour (but havent looked into it) that Paddy wont direct any more films after Journeyman and whilst I of course respect his decision, I think that would be a huge shame as he has shown the world and all who have seen his films, that he is one of the best directors out there who makes such emotional films. We need more films like that and Paddy. You have done that every time you have made a story come to life.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/15/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Any one that has called a boxer a quitter told them they are rubbish need to watch this an rethink what boxers risk for our entertainment

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

Full Review

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Paddy Considine

Director

Paddy Considine

Matty Burton

Jodie Whittaker

Actor

Paul Popplewell

Actor

Tony Pitts

Actor

Anthony Welsh

Actor

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Tara Brady

Irish Times

Thoughtful, tender-hearted drama pivots around the actor-turned-director's central performance, but that turn is never allowed to overshadow terrific work by [Jodi] Whittaker and [Anthony] Welsh

Rated: 3/5

Apr 13, 2018

Full Review

Simran Hans

Observer (UK)

The film is a little self-serious, and the story's recovery arc wraps up too tidily, but as a character study - and showcase for Considine and Whittaker's considerable gifts as actors - it's surprisingly interesting and angular.

Rated: 3/5

Apr 1, 2018

Full Review

Guy Lodge

Variety

A victory on points, if not quite a knockout blow.

Mar 31, 2018

Full Review

Olly Richards

NME (New Musical Express)

Considine in all round great filmmaker, as actor, writer and director, so let's hope we don't have to wait quite so long for his next movie.

Rated: 4/5

Apr 29, 2021

Full Review

Matthew Anderson

CineVue

Journeyman, which Considine writes, directs and stars in as champion boxer Matty Burton, is further proof of his impressive versatility.

Rated: 3/5

May 24, 2019

Full Review

Tori Brazier

One Room With A View

This ground has been trod before and is tough opposition to put Journeyman with in the ring. Considine has done a good job though, gathering an especially strong cast and penning a well-crafted script.

Rated: 4/5

Feb 14, 2019

Full Review

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Synopsis

A boxer's life is impacted by a serious head injury.

Director: Paddy Considine
Executive Producer: Rose Garnett, Mark Gooder, Hugo Heppell, David Kosse, Alison Thompson
Screenwriter: Paddy Considine
Production Co: Film4, September Film Distribution, Inflammable Films
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English (United Kingdom)