I lived through the mining strike - and the closing of our pit - in another small British pit village. I knew many of the players in the band, similarly a top band (ironically, featured regularly on the BBC throughout). Every time I watch this film, which I do fairly regularly, it brings it all back: the community split between fight and resignation, the women fighting for their men's - and therefore their - livelihoods, the loyalties and frictions, the sense of helplessness under attack from Thatcher and the southern government, the humour through everything, the ability to achieve greatness when the world is falling apart. Oh, and the language!
Brilliantly realistic, fabulously acted (Postlethwaite is always superb), an absolute gem. It should be bleak, but it also holds out real hope. A proud, funny, loyal, old-fashioned community. With superb music.
March 18, 2008It would be a good idea to watch this movie for ten minutes, become accustomed to the accents, then start over. No car crashes or blood and guts. No rap crap music. Just a good wholesome film that the family can watch. Get your tissues ready for your tears. Lots of good fun though.
Other great family films, Into the West, (Irish fantasy). Man Who Would Be King. Billy Elliott. Strictly Ballroom.
And one for the ladies - Shirley Valentine.
February 22, 2008This may be the best movie you've never heard of. They make it sound like a love story between Ewan McGregor and Tara Fitzgerald - it's not! It's really about Pete Postlethwaite's character. Pete does an excellent job.
January 3, 2008I'll be honest Ewan Mcgregor is my favorite actor and I buy everything he's in good or bad. This movie made me feel again. The story is great and the music was moving. I wish more people could see this movie. The cover makes it look like a teenage sort of movie but get past the deceiving cover. This movie is a must have even if you are not a Ewan fan. You will be glad you bought this movie. And please share with all.
December 29, 2007 |  | Appropriate for middle schooler? |  |
I saw this movie when it first came out and loved it. I now have a middle schooler who plays a great trombone and I'd love to rent the movie to inspire him with his music. But...I often have a rose-tinted impression of old movies I've seen, even though I can't remember anything inappropriate in "Brassed Off". But it got an "R" rating - can anyone tell me what's in there which isn't OK for a middle schooler to see? Thanks.
October 25, 2007More reviews at Amazon.com ...
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