Brassed Off!
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Movie Reviews of Brassed Off!
Movie Review: A Dose Of Reality
Summary: 5 Stars
I watched this film one night through interest as a musician. I was delighted to discover a film that showcases not only fabulous music, but a relevant political message too. Living, as I do, in a former mining community in the Midlands, I see the effects of the pit closures every day. This film serves as a sobering reminder to those who are not in the same situation, of how Thatcher's economic rebuilding of the South sacrificed thousands of jobs in the North. Danny (Postlethwaite) is so preoccupied with having the colliery band win the national contest, that he does not realise the dire straits his players are in. McGregor and Fitzgerald have the obligatory romance subplot, but this does not detract from the film as a whole. The movie provides lasting images, from the pathetic protests by the miners' wives to the final bitter rendition of 'Land Of Hope And Glory.' The performances from Postlethwaite, Fitzgerald, McGregor and Tompkinson are superb, the latter shining as a man whose memories of the 1984 mining strike drive him to extraordinary lengths to avoid the same happening again. Those who believe Britain has moved on from the times of Charles Dickens should watch Danny, lying in a hospital bed, coughing up coal dust from his lungs. It will make them reconsider.Movie Review: A serious film, 5 star rating.
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm not going to elaberate on what has already been said by others here. This IS a worthy film, and a MUST HAVE.The quality of the DVD is excellent, colors are rich and vibrant, with very sharp images.
However, I feel compelled to comment on the way this film is promoted. It is being called a comedy, it is NOT! Far from it. Yes, there are funny lines, but, they are meant to be a stab at the government, and life in general, in the old fashioned British dry wit. This movie is about a brass band, a colliery about to be closed by the Tory government, and a man's dreams of "winning it all" with the band, quote: "It's music that matters".
About the back cover it doesn't even mention the band at all!!! (The plot) Nor the colliery!!! (The plot) Nor the actual Grimleythorpe Brass Band!!! If I were browsing my local store I would probably have placed this back on the shelf and MISSED a great movie!! For me, this is another example of misleading advertising we're all too familiar with these days.
OK, that's said, go get the movie! Best money you'll ever spend! (in my opinion).
Movie Review: Superb
Summary: 5 Stars
What a shame eh. No "Ehh up lad, am going t'pit, but fetch us whippet furst", comic northern English working class stereotypes, but a moving portrayal of social desperation.Try living in one of England's former mining towns before you complain of Brassed Off's political content.
Instead of some fatuous, feel good, pap, we have a highly entertaining, wonderfully acted, and moving film that has the nerve to carry a message about how ruthless and uncaring, dictatorial politics affect ordinary people.
I realise the USA has a major problem with political subtlety beyond clear cut right wing theory.
Thatcher's politics have systematically enriched the SE of England at the expense of much of the rest of the country. Just say this - she is not a 'favourite' personality for many people outside of London and the commuter belts.
The 1984 miners' strike which saw violence on both sides, has left a long, a very bitter legacy.
PS. Profitable coal pits closed en masse; now the UK imports poorer quality coal from outside.
Politics of regeneration?
Movie Review: British vs american response
Summary: 5 Stars
This wonderful film must be understood as a reflection of the greatest industrial action of the second half of the twentieth century. Yes the performances are wonderful but you should know about the battle of Orgreaves the frame up of Arthur Scargill--the heroic resistance of the miners to the destruction of their community--some reviewer said Britain is better for it-Oh really? check out Yorkshire and the rise of drug use. This film must be viewed with a sense of the real life background--the great miners strike of 1984. How in the world it could be called a comedy beats me.
Peter Postlewaite is superb and his closing address deserves real attention. So now the Brits import their coal from pits worked by childeren for 7 cents an hour. Yea Thatcher was a real boon for Britain. Americans on the whole have no idea what that strike was like(there is mention of Women against Pit Closures do Americans know what that organization is?) I hope this film inspires us in the USA to find out more about it.
Movie Review: Gritty and true
Summary: 5 Stars
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.