Hummingbird (2013)

User Review

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  TheMovieDiorama

  6 / 10

  Hummingbird is a messy drama about redemption, but showcases one of Statham's best performances. I'm not the biggest fan of British crime dramas, especially those particularly depicting London...in fact I would say I'm not a fan at all. Purposefully gritty and all too similar to each other, it's a sub-genre that never offers anything new. Hummingbird does include typical gangster traits, yet its primary focus is of a character study. An ex-soldier pulled from Helmand Province in Afghanistan is attempting to restore his life back in London. From the cold damp London alleyways to illegally residing in a luxury apartment, he tries his best to set things right for, not just himself, but his closest friends. I must warn you, if you think this is an over-the-top action flick that Statham typically stars in then you will be disappointed. The marketing would lead you to that false conclusion. Instead, what we have is a personable study of a man who starts off with nothing and gradually builds himself back up again...albeit illegally but I'll that one slide for now. I find Statham is more competent and interesting in these small British thrillers (very similar to 'Blitz'). He isn't just going round obliterating every guy who wields a weapon, although there is some great choreography used in the infrequent fight scenes presented here. No, it's a rather nuanced performance and one that allows him to portray an emotionally complex and damaged character. One of his better performances. Well shot and directed by Knight who also writes what is unfortunately an inconsistent screenplay. It's just too messy. What is actually the main plot? Because what I see we are presented with is three subplots that are constantly being switched which, coincidentally, all somehow link together for the third act. The hunt for a man who kills a prostitute, a close relationship formed with a nun and contributing to an underground Chinese business. They naturally do not link and therefore the narrative is inconsistent. A real lack of cohesion, which consequently creates a slow pace.

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