Men Up (2023): Cast & Ratings
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.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 27m (87 min)
- Director
- Ashley Way
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Quay Street Productions
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
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
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.
- Director Ashley Way
-
Mark Lewis Jones as Eddie O’Connor -
Aneurin Barnard as Dr. Dylan Pearce -
Paul Rhys as Tommy Cadogan -
Iwan Rheon as Meurig Jenkins
Also Starring in Men Up
· 14 more- Lisa Palfrey Teresa Rigby
- Vikash Bhai Eshaan Mallick
- Steffan Rhodri Colin White
- Joanna Page Moira Davies
- Alexandra Roach Ffion Jenkins
- Dyfan Dwyfor Leigh Bennett
- Katy Wix Joanna Wootle
- Nathan Sussex Rhys Lancey
- Alexandria Riley Alys Shah
- Phaldut Sharma Peetham ‘Pete’ Shah
- Philippa Cole Ceri Howell
- Raphael J. Bishop Llewellyn Jenkins
- Huw Huckstep Gruff Jenkins
- Libby Waite
More from Ashley Way
One more film directed by Ashley Way: The Science of Doctor Who.
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).
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.
-
IMDb 6.8 /10
1355 votes
-
Rotten Tomatoes 78% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 50%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
TMDB 62% User score
See on TMDB
Men Up Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Men Up.
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?
Movies Like Men Up
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Men Men Men, The Drug Trial: Emergency at the Hospital and Men’s Group.
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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