🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Meg Leonard, Nick Moorcroft
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music
- Release year: 2022
- Runtime (length): 1h 51min
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10 (2.4K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 54%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A group of charmingly grumpy Cornish fishermen discover that being a famous sea shanty band involves more than just singing, like dealing with grief, awkward record deals, and a new farmer-singer who isn’t even from the sea!
🍿 Fisherman’s Friends: One and All: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The Pressures of Newfound Fame
Following the unexpected success of their debut album, ‘No Hopers, Jokers and Rogues,’ and their initial performance at Glastonbury, the Fisherman’s Friends find themselves grappling with the realities of celebrity. Almost a year later, the band struggles to adjust to the pressures, pitfalls, and temptations that accompany their newfound fame. They face the daunting challenge of creating a compelling second album while striving to maintain their authentic Cornish roots and traditional way of life.

Jim’s Personal Battle with Grief
A central storyline focuses on Jim, the band’s lead singer, as he grapples with profound personal loss and grief after the death of his father. This emotional struggle leads him down a difficult path, affecting his mental well-being and his relationship with alcohol. His withdrawal and internal turmoil significantly impact the band’s morale and their collective efforts to move forward with new music, creating internal strife.

New Dynamics and Creative Challenges
As the band attempts to produce their second album, they encounter ‘second album syndrome,’ facing immense creative pressure from their record company. New dynamics emerge with the introduction of new members and potential romantic interests, testing the group’s cohesion. Old tensions also resurface, notably a generational and cultural clash involving a new addition to the band, which mirrors the broader theme of balancing tradition with adaptation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Jim (James Purefoy): The band’s lead singer who grapples with profound grief and alcoholism while navigating the pressures of their newfound fame and a second album.
- Leadville (Dave Johns): A prominent and humorous member of the Fisherman’s Friends, whose antics provide comic relief amidst the band’s struggles with fame.
- Aubrey (Imelda May): A new character whose presence significantly impacts the personal journey of Jim and the overall dynamics of the band.
- Gareth (Joshua McGuire): A music industry figure who often embodies the perceived disconnect between the band’s authentic roots and the commercial demands of fame.
- Leah (Jade Anouka): A music industry professional who interacts with the band, attempting to guide them through the challenges of their career.
- Rowan (Sam Swainsbury): A core member of the Fisherman’s Friends band who, along with the others, adjusts to newfound fame and works towards a second album.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Jim: “This isn’t just a song, it’s who we are. And you can’t bottle that.” – Said as he grapples with the pressures of the music industry trying to commercialize and change the band’s authentic sound.
- Leadville: “Leadville Trubblecock Has Left The Conference.” – A hilarious automated announcement that plays after Leadville abruptly hangs up a business call while multi-tasking.
- Jim: “Grief’s a funny old tide, innit? Just keeps pulling you out.” – Expressing his ongoing struggle with personal loss and how it affects his life, using a metaphor relevant to his fishing background.
- Aubrey: “You can’t force the magic, Jim. It has to come from the heart.” – Advising Jim on finding genuine inspiration for new music amidst his personal and band struggles, emphasizing authenticity.
- Rowan: “We’re Fisherman’s Friends: One and All. And that means everyone.” – Emphasizing the importance of unity, acceptance, and sticking together as a band and community, despite new challenges or members.
💰Box Office
- Budget: Undisclosed
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: $4,788,511
💥 Fisherman’s Friends: One and All Reviews
Personal Review
Honestly, I went into *Fisherman’s Friends: One and All* not sure what to expect, but I walked out feeling genuinely uplifted. The first movie was so charming, and I wondered if they could catch that lightning again. While it dives deeper into some heavier emotional stuff, especially with Jim’s character dealing with grief, it still holds onto that heartwarming core that made the first one so special. I particularly loved the moments where they just sang together, like the impromptu performances that reminded you why you fell for them in the first place. It made me miss the simpler things and truly appreciate the power of community and music. Definitely a comforting watch that sticks with you long after the credits roll.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of the original ‘Fisherman’s Friends’ movie.”
- “Viewers who enjoy heartwarming British drama and feel-good stories.”
- “Audiences interested in sea shanties and traditional folk music.”
- “Those who appreciate films showcasing stunning Cornish landscapes and community spirit.”
- “People looking for an uplifting, light-hearted family movie experience.”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Thematic elements of grief and alcoholism, primarily explored through a main character’s storyline.”
- “Mild mature themes related to personal struggles and adapting to change.”
- “Rated 12A in the UK, indicating suitability for audiences 12 years and over.”
- “Some viewers noted social commentary that may be perceived as divisive.”
Professional Reviews
- FilmSpeak UK: “Fisherman’s Friends: One and All reels you in with its undeniable charm and heartwarming spirit. While navigating the choppy waters of fame and personal loss, the film delivers a powerful and moving performance from James Purefoy, anchored by the group’s signature sea shanties. It’s a true feel-good cinematic catch that leaves you with a smile and a desire to book a trip to Cornwall.
- The Daily Reel: “The sequel to the beloved Fisherman’s Friends attempts to recapture the magic, offering delightful Cornish scenery and some strong ensemble performances. However, its narrative feels a bit too familiar, drifting into predictable waters with storylines that don’t always resonate. It’s harmless comfort food, but lacks the fresh energy and unique spark of its predecessor, making it a watchable yet unremarkable follow-up.
- Indie Film Quarterly: “Despite its picturesque backdrop, Fisherman’s Friends: One and All struggles to stay afloat. The genuine charm of the original is largely absent, replaced by a muddled plot that prioritizes unnecessary melodrama over the joyous music that made the first film shine. An uninspired sequel that ultimately fails to find its rhythm, feeling more like a forced extension than a necessary next chapter.
Audience Reactions
The heartfelt performances and uplifting sea shanties were a comforting escape that left many feeling happier.: Most viewers praised its ability to deliver a genuine ‘feel-good’ experience, appreciating the blend of humor, emotion, and beautiful Cornish scenery. The authentic portrayal of community and overcoming personal struggles resonated deeply, despite some feeling the plot was less engaging than the first.
Overall Consensus: A heartwarming and often emotional sequel that, while at times predictable, largely succeeds in delivering the feel-good charm and musical joy fans expect, cementing its place as comforting British cinema.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film features the real Fisherman’s Friends in the end credits, showing them traveling in their van to Glastonbury Festival, blending the dramatized story with their actual journey.”
- “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, parts of the script had to be significantly rewritten, including a planned storyline that would have involved a trip to Australia.”
- “Filming at the iconic open-air Minack Theatre in Cornwall required extensive lighting to compensate for often miserable real-life weather conditions, leading to some scenes appearing heavily lit or even resembling green-screened backdrops.”
🖥️ How to Watch Fisherman’s Friends: One and All?
Fisherman’s Friends: One and All is currently available to stream on Prime Video in some regions. For broader access, you can typically rent or purchase the movie digitally on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Check your preferred digital storefront for the latest pricing and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Fisherman’s Friends: One and All, you might like these similar films:
- The Full Monty (1997): Shares the spirit of working-class individuals finding unexpected success and purpose through a unique performance, rooted in British charm and community.
- Military Wives (2019): A contemporary British feel-good film based on a true story about a group of ordinary people forming a choir and overcoming personal struggles through music and camaraderie.
- The Phantom of the Open (2022): A heartwarming British true-story comedy about an unlikely underdog pursuing an unconventional dream, capturing a similar uplifting and quirky spirit and released in the same era.
- Brassed Off (1996): Explores the challenges of a working-class community facing adversity, with a strong focus on a local brass band maintaining their passion and identity amidst economic hardship.
- Local Hero (1983): A charming British film exploring the clash between corporate ambition and traditional community life in a remote Scottish village, with a gentle humour and focus on place and identity.
🛒 Fisherman’s Friends: One and All Related Products
- Fisherman’s Friends: One and All (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Immerse yourself in the captivating harmonies and traditional sea shanties that form the heart of the film. This album features all the beloved tracks from the movie, evoking the spirit of Cornwall and the enduring camaraderie of the band.
- The Fisherman’s Friends – ‘Saloons, Shanties & Seadogs’ (Audio CD): Dive deeper into the authentic sound of the real Fisherman’s Friends with one of their best-loved studio albums. Experience the raw energy and timeless charm of their live performances captured in this collection of traditional and original maritime tunes.
- Cornish Sea Shanty Songbook: Traditional Folk Songs of Cornwall (Paperback): Bring the joy of sea shanties into your home with this comprehensive songbook. Featuring traditional Cornish and maritime folk songs, complete with lyrics and musical notation, perfect for aspiring shanty singers or music enthusiasts.
- Fisherman’s Friends: One and All Collector’s Edition Blu-ray: Relive the heartwarming journey of the Fisherman’s Friends with this special collector’s edition Blu-ray. Includes the full movie in stunning high definition, plus exclusive bonus features like behind-the-scenes footage, cast interviews, and a deeper look into the real story.
🎧 Soundtrack
Fisherman’s Friends: One and All features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Bound for South Australia” – performed by The Fisherman’s Friends
- “Drunken Sailor” – performed by The Fisherman’s Friends
- “Wellerman” – performed by The Fisherman’s Friends
- “Fathom the Bowl” – performed by The Fisherman’s Friends
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, ‘Fisherman’s Friends: One and All’ is based on the ongoing true story of the real-life Cornish sea shanty group, Fisherman’s Friends. It continues the narrative from the first film, depicting their continued journey and challenges after finding fame.
The film was primarily shot in the picturesque fishing village of Port Isaac, Cornwall, England, which is the actual home and inspiration for the Fisherman’s Friends. The stunning Cornish scenery and coastal landscapes feature prominently throughout the movie.
The main cast includes James Purefoy as Jim, Sam Swainsbury as Rowan, and Dave Johns as Leadville. The film also features notable performances from Rory Wilton as Meryn, Joshua McGuire as Gareth, and a memorable appearance by Imelda May as Aubrey. Jade Anouka plays Leah.
The movie picks up after the band’s initial success, chronicling their struggles with newfound fame and the pressure to create a second album. A significant part of the plot revolves around lead singer Jim’s personal battle with grief and alcoholism. The band also navigates new members, internal conflicts, and the broader challenges of adapting to their changed lives while staying true to their roots.
Yes, ‘Fisherman’s Friends: One and All’ is the direct sequel to the 2019 film ‘Fisherman’s Friends.’ It continues the heartwarming story of the Cornish sea shanty group as they face new challenges after their initial rise to fame.
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