Cast
View All
James McAvoy
as Max Lewinsky
Mark Strong
as Jacob Sternwood
David Morrissey
as Thomas Geiger
Peter Mullan
as Roy Edwards
Daniel Mays
as Nathan Bartnick
Andrea Riseborough
as Sarah Hawks
Daniel Kaluuya
as Juka Ogadowa
Ruth Sheen
as Iris Warns
Jason Flemyng
as Harvey Crown
Elyes Gabel
as Ruan Sternwood
Jason Maza
as Luke
Johnny Harris
as Dean Warns
Steve Oram
as Journalist
Natasha Little
as Jane Badham
Cathy Murphy
as Nurse
Crew
Director
- Eran Creevy
Writer
- Eran Creevy
Producer
- Rory Aitken
- Ben Pugh
- Brian Kavanaugh-Jones
Reviews
CinemaSerf
When his son is shot, "Sternwood" (Mark Strong) has to return from his Icelandic hideaway to get to the bottom of it all. That puts him back squarely into the sights of cop "Lewinsky" (James McCoy) who has an old (and painful) grudge. What now ensues is a really formulaic and unimaginative drama, though, as both men realise that they are being played by a higher, manipulative and malevolent power and conclude they are better together. Despite a decent cast, including the usually reliable Andrea Riseborough ("Hawks") it all just fails to ignite. The dark, eerie, photography loses it's potency pretty quickly, as do the flashbacks filling in most of the backstory - leaving us with a pretty generic crime thriller that is pretty light on thrills. Forgettable stuff, sorry.
Jun 8, 2022
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Adventure/Crime film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Welcome to the Punch distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Eran Creevy brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2013, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Welcome to the Punch took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $8.5 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 99 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 146 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 432 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2013, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Welcome to the Punch shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Shooter, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Welcome to the Punch subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Resident Evil: Extinction and The Man in the Iron Mask explore similar territory, Welcome to the Punch stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 15, 2013
- Runtime: 1h 39m
- Budget: $8,500,000
- Revenue: $3,900,000
Where to Watch
