Hummingbird and The Redemption are two different movies that share some similarities but are ultimately separate films. Both movies center around a war veteran struggling to adjust to life after returning home from combat, but the plots diverge in key ways.
The Basics of Hummingbird and The Redemption
First, let’s outline the basic details of each film:
Hummingbird
- Released in 2013
- Directed by Steven Knight
- Stars Jason Statham as Joey Jones, an ex-Special Forces soldier
- Set in London’s homeless community
- Jones assumes the identity of a wealthy businessman to infiltrate high society
The Redemption
- Released in 2013
- Directed by Steven Knight
- Stars Jason Statham as Joey Jones, an ex-Special Forces soldier
- Set in London
- Jones gets work as an enforcer for a local mob boss
As you can see, both movies share the same director, star, and year of release. The protagonist’s background as an ex Special-Forces soldier named Joey Jones is also consistent. However, the plots differ – in Hummingbird, Jones pretends to be someone else to infiltrate high society, while in The Redemption, he works as a mob enforcer.
Detailed Plot Summaries
Here are more in-depth summaries of the distinct storylines of each film:
Hummingbird
The film opens with Joey Jones living on the streets of London and addicted to drugs and alcohol after leaving the military. He’s suffering from PTSD after his experience in combat. One night, Jones breaks into the apartment of a wealthy man who is out of town. He assumes this man’s identity in order to access his bank accounts and lives a lavish lifestyle under the false name.
However, Jones starts to fall for the girlfriend of the man whose identity he stole. When the real wealthy man returns, it leads to a climactic confrontation where Jones must face his past trauma and decide what kind of man he wants to be.
The Redemption
In this movie, Jones returns from the military to find his sister being abused by her criminal boyfriend. Desperate for money, Jones starts working as an enforcer and debt collector for a local mob boss. He uses his combat skills to become the mob’s top hired gunman, all while working to protect his sister.
When Jones’ sister’s boyfriend plans to testify against the mob, it sets off a chain of violence. Jones struggles to escape the criminal life he’s found himself trapped in and face his guilt over his actions.
Comparing the Themes and Styles
While the plots are distinct, Hummingbird and The Redemption explore similar themes surrounding trauma, guilt, and redemption.
Themes
- Both films center on an ex-soldier character struggling with PTSD and trauma from their military service.
- The protagonists feel guilt over violence they commit and lives they take.
- They go on a journey to find redemption, build a new life, and come to terms with their past.
Styles
- The gritty, realistic aesthetic of both movies grounds them in a somber, serious tone.
- Extensive handheld camerawork creates a tense, fast-paced feel.
- The lead performances are intense, brooding, and emotionally raw.
So while the actual narratives differ, the thematic and stylistic core of both films share many similarities in their portrayal of a troubled former soldier seeking redemption.
Directorial and Actor Overlap
In addition to thematic similarities, Hummingbird and The Redemption overlap in two key personnel behind the camera:
Director
Steven Knight wrote and directed both films, crafting the distinctive style and tone. His personal artistic vision connects the movies even when the plots differ.
Lead Actor
Jason Statham stars as the protagonist Joey Jones in both films. His powerhouse lead performance anchors each movie emotionally. Statham’s acting creates cohesion between the films even when the stories vary.
Knight’s direction combined with Statham’s acting creates a consistent feel and quality despite the different narratives.
Key Differences in the Details
While the big picture elements of Hummingbird and The Redemption are similar, many of the fine details differ:
| Detail | Hummingbird | The Redemption |
|---|---|---|
| Protagonist’s alias | Assumes identity of wealthy businessman | Uses real name Joey Jones |
| Location | Set across London | East London setting |
| Supporting characters | Girlfriend, wealthy businessman | Sister, mob boss |
| Plot catalyst | Relationship with girlfriend | Sister in abusive relationship |
| Climax | Confrontation with wealthy man | Violence between mob and sister’s boyfriend |
These details, from characters to plot points, demonstrate significant differences between the stories despite similar styles and themes.
Conclusion
In summary, Hummingbird and The Redemption are separate films that have notable similarities but distinct narratives:
- Both center on an ex-soldier character named Joey Jones played by Jason Statham.
- The tone, style, and themes surrounding trauma and redemption overlap.
- Steven Knight directed both movies, connecting them cinematically.
- The specifics of the characters, settings, and plots differ substantially.
So while these movies have major similarities, they ultimately tell different stories. Hummingbird features a man pretending to be someone else in high society, while The Redemption follows a criminal enforcer. The thematic material explores similar ground, but the narrative details set the films apart as separate entities. Both quality films, but definitively not the same movie.
