Journeyman (15)

Fully embracing the implications of its title, Paddy Considine’s unashamedly sentimental boxing drama doesn’t exactly distinguish itself cinematically in such an overcrowded genre. A well-crafted tear jerker, it knows that sporting life metaphors are part of the deal and is OK with that. But to Considine’s credit as the film’s writer, director and star, he also quickly transcends the ageing prize-fighter-proving-himself plot to deliver a more unexpected story about a brain-injured champ (Considine) learning to rebuild his life away from the spotlight. True, he backs himself into a narrative corner early on that necessitates pushing Jodie Whittaker (cast as his wife) out of the action for much of the running time, but the ensuing story is told with such heart-on-the-sleeve sincerity that it’s hard not to be won over.