Watch Fisherman's Friends

Fisherman's Friends is a 2019 British comedy-drama film directed by Chris Foggin. The movie is based on a true story of a group of fishermen from Cornwall, known as the Fisherman's Friends, who went from the local harbor to a record deal. The movie features an ensemble cast with James Purefoy, Meadow Nobrega, David Hayman, Daniel Mays, and Tuppence Middleton.

The story revolves around Danny (Daniel Mays), a music executive from London, who goes on a stag weekend with his friends in Port Isaac, Cornwall. He hears the Fisherman's Friends singing sea shanties at the harbor and thinks they have a commercial appeal. Danny signs them up for a record deal with Universal Music, without the band knowing that it is not a joke.

The Fisherman's Friends is a group of ten fishermen who have been singing sea shanties as a hobby for over 20 years. They are skeptical about the record deal, but Danny convinces them to sign the contract. They travel to London to record an album and promote it. Along the way, they face challenges and conflicts arising from their culture clash with the music industry.

The movie highlights the themes of friendship, community, and the power of music. The Fisherman's Friends are not just a group of singers; they are a community that takes care of each other. They rely on their friendship and support to face the challenges that come with their sudden fame. The movie portrays the characters' authentic portrayal and their way of life. It immerses the audience in the small-town atmosphere of Port Isaac, which is a beautiful location.

James Purefoy plays Jim, the band's leader, and the father figure of the group. He is a wise older man, who takes care of everyone and keeps the band together. He is also the most skeptical of the music industry and the changes it could bring. Meadow Nobrega plays Alwyn, Jim's granddaughter, who has a crush on Danny. She is a charming and energetic teenager, who helps the band navigate London's urban jungle.

David Hayman plays Jago, Danny's boss, and a tough music executive. He provides an excellent contrast to the small-town characters of the Fisherman's Friends. His character represents the cutthroat environment of the industry, and the compromises that come with it.

The Fisherman's Friends' music is a highlight of the movie. They sing a capella and accompanied by acoustic instruments, which adds to the movie's authenticity. The soundtracks consist of popular sea shanties such as "Alouette, Gentille Alouette," "South Australia," and "Nelson's Blood." The music also contributes to the movie's emotional moments and the dynamic between the characters.

Overall, Fisherman's Friends is a heartwarming and entertaining movie. It celebrates the power of music and friendship while providing an authentic portrayal of small-town life. The movie is a feel-good story that will inspire the audience to pursue their passion and support their community.

Fisherman's Friends is a 2019 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 45.