Brassed Off (1997)

Take The Full Monty, add a sharper emotional edge, and replace the strutting strippers with a dignified British band. That's the essence of Brassed Off, a bittersweet gem released in 1996, a year before its more popular (and Oscar-nominated) counterpart. In the Yorkshire town of Grimley, there has always been a coal mine, just as for the last 111 years there has been a brass band, and it seems that Danny (the wondrous Pete Postlethwaite) has been the director for every one of those years. Tory economic policies, however, are closing coal mines around the country in favor of nuclear power, and Grimley appears to be next on the list. Danny is unfazed by the threat, claiming, "It's music that matters." But some of the men are about to quit the band until the appearance of Gloria (Tara Fitzgerald at her most radiant), who dazzles the all-male group (including old flame Andy, played by Ewan McGregor) first with her beauty, then with her flügelhorn playing. The new member gives the band a boost as they continue to perform and compete, but closure remains very real, as director Mark Herman (Little Voice) accompanies the band's performances (played with gusto by the Grimethorpe Colliery Band) with scenes of angry labor-management confrontations and family strife. In this context, some of the characters claim that the music is an irresponsible form of escapism. It becomes clear, however, from a touching performance of "Danny Boy" to the stirring conclusion at Royal Albert Hall, that music is an expression of the human spirit, a bit of beauty and sanity in a harsh world. With defiance, the band can play "Land of Hope and Glory," even when the land offers them neither. --David Horiuchi Amazon.com

Gritty and true

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, 2008

Great movie

It 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, 2008

Poorly advertised

This 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, 2008

Ewan

I'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, 2007

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