Fisherman's Friends (2019)
The feel-good true story of ten Cornish fishermen who traded their nets for a record deal and charmed the world with sea shanties.
Fisherman's Friends - Movie Information
- Original Title: Fisherman's Friends
- Release Year: 2019
- Directed by: Chris Foggin
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 52m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 15, 2019 (United Kingdom - 12A), August 8, 2019 (Germany - 0), July 7, 2021 (France - U)
- Alternative Titles: Fisherman's Friends – Vom Kutter in die Charts (DE)
- Production Companies: Fred Films, Powderkeg Pictures, BondIt
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Fisherman's Friends - Plot
Ten fishermen from Cornwall are signed by Universal Records and achieve a top ten hit with their debut album of Sea Shanties. Based on the true-life story of Cornish folk band, Fisherman's Friends.
Fisherman's Friends - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see what awaits in this uplifting Cornish tale:
Some Bands Can't Be Managed
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Fisherman's Friends - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Chris Foggin
Main Cast
- Daniel Mays
- James Purefoy
- Tuppence Middleton
- David Hayman
- Dave Johns
- Sam Swainsbury
- Maggie Steed
- Noel Clarke
- Christian Brassington
- Vahid Gold
Writers
- Meg Leonard
- Nick Moorcroft
- Piers Ashworth
Producers
- Nick Moorcroft
- Meg Leonard
- James Spring
Fisherman's Friends - FAQs
Is Fisherman's Friends based on a true story?
Yes, Fisherman's Friends is rooted in a remarkable real-life story. The actual Fisherman's Friends, a group of Cornish fishermen from Port Isaac, were signed by Universal Records in 2010 and released a sea shanty album that reached the UK top ten — making them the first folk act to achieve that in decades.
What is Fisherman's Friends about?
The film follows ten fishermen from Cornwall who unexpectedly land a record deal with Universal Records and score a top ten hit with their debut album of traditional sea shanties. It's a feel-good story about community, authenticity, and what happens when a music industry outsider stumbles upon something genuinely special.
Where can you stream Fisherman's Friends?
You can stream Fisherman's Friends on Amazon Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Tubi TV, YouTube Free, The CW, Kanopy, Hoopla, and Plex. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Did the real Fisherman's Friends inspire the film's music?
Absolutely. The real Fisherman's Friends from Port Isaac contributed their authentic sound to the film, and their actual recordings feature prominently on the soundtrack. Their genuine Cornish voices and traditional shanty repertoire give the movie a musical credibility that no studio recreation could replicate.
Who are the main actors in Fisherman's Friends?
The film stars Daniel Mays as Danny, the London music executive at the heart of the story, alongside James Purefoy as Jim and Tuppence Middleton as Alwyn. David Hayman, Dave Johns, Noel Clarke, Maggie Steed, and Sam Swainsbury round out a strong ensemble cast.
Does Fisherman's Friends have a happy ending?
Without giving too much away, the film stays true to its feel-good spirit and the uplifting real-life story that inspired it. Expect warmth, community, and a satisfying resolution — this is very much a crowd-pleasing drama built around triumph against the odds.
How was Fisherman's Friends received by critics?
Critics gave Fisherman's Friends a warm reception, praising its charm, its Cornish setting, and the genuine chemistry of the ensemble cast. Reviewers highlighted it as an unpretentious, crowd-pleasing feel-good film in the tradition of British underdog comedies like The Full Monty and Brassed Off.
Where was Fisherman's Friends filmed?
The film was shot largely on location in Port Isaac, the picturesque fishing village on the north Cornish coast where the real Fisherman's Friends are based. The rugged coastline, harbour, and village streets give the movie an authentic sense of place that's central to its appeal.
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