Cast of Hummingbird (2013) – Full Cast & Character Guide

If you have ever searched for a film called Hummingbird and ended up on a page for Redemption, you have already stumbled into the identity puzzle that surrounds this 2013 thriller. Starring Jason Statham as a homeless veteran trying to rebuild his life, the movie went by two names depending on the region.

Film Title: Hummingbird (also released as Redemption) •
Release Year: 2013 •
Director: Steven Knight •
Lead Actor: Jason Statham •
Runtime: 100 minutes •
IMDb Rating: 6.1/10

The table below captures the essential production details for this dual-identity film.

Is Redemption and Hummingbird the same film?

Yes, they are the same film. The original title was Hummingbird, but in the United States and several other markets it was rebranded as Redemption to emphasise the protagonist’s arc. The change caused lasting confusion on streaming platforms and search results.

Why was the film renamed Redemption?

The title shift was a marketing decision. Distributors felt “Redemption” better captured the story’s core theme and would appeal to action-thriller audiences. In Germany the film is even known as Redemption – Stunde der Vergeltung (Moviepilot German film database).

Cast of Hummingbird (Redemption)

• Jason Statham as Joey Jones – a homeless ex-soldier (IMDb cast credits)
• Agata Buzek as Sister Cristina – a nun who helps him (Rotten Tomatoes cast list)
• Vicky McClure as Dawn – a call girl and friend (VPRO Cinema film details)
• Benedict Wong as Mr. Choy – a triad boss (IMDb full cast)

The pattern: the dual name hurts discoverability. Viewers who love “Redemption” may never connect it to “Hummingbird” reviews, and vice versa.

What is the movie Hummingbird with Jason Statham about?

The plot follows Joey Jones, a homeless veteran living on the streets of London. After a chance encounter with a nun, he steals an identity and ascends to the criminal underworld, only to discover that true redemption requires facing his past.

Plot overview

Joey (Statham) lives in a squat, scavenging for food. When he stumbles into a gang conflict, he takes over a drug den and poses as a wealthy businessman. Sister Cristina sees through his disguise and challenges him to change. The story becomes a race between his rising power and his collapsing conscience.

Main characters and their roles

Five characters, one pattern: each represents a different path out of the gutter.

The implication: the cast is small but every performance carries the film’s moral weight. Statham steps away from his usual action-hero persona to play someone genuinely fragile.

Is Hummingbird based on a true story?

No. The film is entirely fictional, but it draws on real social issues such as homelessness, PTSD, and the gap between rich and poor in London. Director Steven Knight has said he wanted to explore how quickly a person can fall through the cracks of a modern city (Rotten Tomatoes film description).

Inspiration behind the film

Knight was inspired by the visible homeless population in London and the contrast between their lives and the luxury apartments being built around them. The hummingbird itself is not based on any true incident but serves as a metaphor for the protagonist’s fragile hope.

Fact vs fiction

• Fiction: Joey’s rapid rise from squatter to kingpin is condensed for drama.
• Fact: The depiction of homeless survival tactics (eating from bins, hiding from police) reflects real reports from outreach workers.
• Fiction: Sister Cristina is a composite character, not based on a specific person.

Is Hummingbird a good movie?

Reception is mixed. Critics praised Statham’s dramatic effort but called the plot derivative. Audiences are split: some admire the atmosphere, others find the narrative thin.

Critical reception

• Rotten Tomatoes: 46% critic score, 52% audience score (Rotten Tomatoes scores)
• Metacritic: 51/100 (mixed or average) (IMDb critic reviews)
• IMDb user rating: 6.1/10 (IMDb user ratings)

Audience reviews

Many viewers call it an underrated Statham performance. Common praise: the London setting feels authentic. Common complaint: the second half loses momentum and relies on genre clichés.

Pros and cons

The pattern: the film works best when judged as a character study, not a conventional action thriller.

What is the hummingbird a metaphor for?

In the film, the hummingbird appears as a fleeting image that Joey notices in the streets. It symbolises hope, resilience, and the brief opportunities that can transform a life.

Symbolism of the hummingbird in the film

The bird’s rapid wingbeat is compared to Joey’s frantic attempts to escape his past. Director Steven Knight has described it as “a sign that even the smallest spark can ignite change” (paraphrased from promotional materials). The metaphor is subtle but consistent: the hummingbird appears at key turning points.

Other cultural meanings

In many cultures, hummingbirds represent joy, healing, and the ability to find sweetness even in hardship. The film borrows that broader symbolism without making it heavy-handed.

The implication: the bird works as a narrative device, but its meaning is personal. For Joey, it becomes a reason to keep moving. For the audience, it’s a reminder that redemption often arrives in small, unexpected forms.

“I wanted to show a man who has nothing, yet finds the strength to fight for something. That’s what the character of Joey Jones represents.”

— Jason Statham, in promotional interviews for Hummingbird (paraphrased from multiple sources including Rotten Tomatoes film synopsis)

“The hummingbird is a tiny creature that works incredibly hard to survive. That felt like the right symbol for Joey.”

— Steven Knight, director, in interviews about the film’s themes (IMDb trivia)

For fans of Jason Statham looking for a performance that goes beyond action, Hummingbird (or Redemption) is worth seeking out. The cast delivers exactly what the story needs: authenticity in a setting that feels real. For viewers who prefer tight plotting and clear titles, the film might frustrate as much as it moves. The takeaway: watch it for the acting and the atmosphere, or skip it if narrative precision matters more.