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What's After the Movie?
Historical drama

Men Up (2023): Cast & Ratings

Men Up (2023) movie poster

Men Up is a 2023 historical drama directed by Ashley Way, starring Mark Lewis Jones as Eddie O’Connor, Aneurin Barnard and Paul Rhys. It runs 1 hour 27 minutes. Critics gave it 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10.

IMDb rating
6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
78%
Echo Score
83
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Men Up (2023) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 27m (87 min)
Director
Ashley Way
Genres
History , Drama
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Men Up About?

The premise of Men Up without spoilers.

In 1994, at Morriston Hospital in Swansea, a group of everyday Welsh men volunteered for the groundbreaking first clinical trials of a new drug that would later become known as Viagra. These ordinary men unknowingly participated in a pivotal moment in medical history, paving the way for a medication that would transform lives worldwide. Their experiences offer a unique and unexpected look at the origins of a global phenomenon.

Men Up Themes & Keywords

· 3 tags
  • friend
  • world
  • group
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Cast & crew

Men Up Cast & Characters

Mark Lewis Jones leads the cast as Eddie O’Connor, with Aneurin Barnard as Dr. Dylan Pearce and Paul Rhys as Tommy Cadogan. Directed by Ashley Way; 18 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Men Up

· 14 more
From the director

More from Ashley Way

One more film directed by Ashley Way: The Science of Doctor Who.

Full filmography
Ratings

Men Up Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Men Up 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 83/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (70).

83 /100

Men Up Echo Score Breakdown

Men Up delivers a warm, character‑driven dramedy anchored in a historically grounded premise. Critics and viewers consistently note its effective blend of humor and tenderness, while a minority cite uneven character focus and occasional narrative softness. Production values and performances receive widespread praise, contributing to an overall impression of a heartfelt, modestly ambitious work that resonates more than it astonishes. The net effect is a solidly positive reception.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 90

    In terms of direction and visual craft, the film is widely regarded as well‑produced and authentic. Reviewers highlight the credible 1990s Welsh settings, competent cinematography, and a measured editing rhythm that supports the story. No substantive criticism of the production design emerges, leading to a strong assessment of the film’s artistic execution.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to acting and character depth, the ensemble is praised for nuanced, believable performances, particularly from Iwan Rheon and Steffan Rhodri. Some critics note that certain characters lack intrigue, but the majority of feedback underscores effective chemistry and emotional resonance, resulting in a generally positive, though not uniformly exemplary, character evaluation.

  • Story & Flow 70

    The narrative’s originality and pacing receive mixed commentary. Many reviewers appreciate the heartfelt, socially relevant plot and its balanced humor, describing it as engaging and thoughtful. However, a few critics label the story as modest, occasionally uneven, or lacking in dramatic tension. This blend of praise and reservation yields a middling‑high score for story quality.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    Sensory elements such as soundtrack and visual style earn positive remarks for evoking the period and enhancing mood. Critics mention the effective use of location, period‑appropriate music, and a cohesive visual palette that complement the drama. No notable criticisms of sound design or aesthetic consistency appear, supporting a strong sensory experience rating.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    Rewatch value is viewed as favorable, with many audiences finding the blend of humor, sentiment, and authentic portrayals inviting repeat viewings. Some dissenting voices describe the film as modest and lacking edge, which may limit long‑term appeal for certain viewers. Overall, the consensus suggests a respectable replay factor without universal enthusiasm.

Videos

Men Up Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Men Up.

Men Up - Official Trailer - BBC
Details

Men Up Also Known As

11 alternative titles, including “重振雄风” and “Uniesieni”.

Also known as
  • 重振雄风
  • Uniesieni
  • Vzmužme se
  • Fel a fejjel!
  • Modra tabletka
  • Homes durs
  • Hombres duros
  • Стояк
  • В Ъ З М Ъ Ж Е Й
  • PLAVA TABLETA
  • BUDI MUŠKO

Seen Men Up?

FAQ

Men Up FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Men Up, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Men Up?

Men Up runs 1 hour 27 minutes (87 minutes).

When was Men Up released?

Men Up was released on December 29, 2023.

Who directed Men Up?

Men Up was directed by Ashley Way.

More films by Ashley Way

Who is in the cast of Men Up?

Men Up stars Mark Lewis Jones as Eddie O’Connor, Aneurin Barnard as Dr. Dylan Pearce and Paul Rhys as Tommy Cadogan, among 18 credited actors.

How is Men Up rated?

Men Up has 6.8/10 on IMDb, 78% on Rotten Tomatoes and 62% on TMDB.

Does Men Up have a post-credit scene?

No. Men Up has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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