Brassed Off!
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Movie Reviews of Brassed Off!
Movie Review: Almost undone by cheesy marketing
Summary: 4 Stars
Once again, here's a terrific movie almost undone by the cheesy and, frankly, idiotic marketing campaign that accompanied the release of the video. Hopefully, you'll pay little attention to the cover box shot of Ewan MacGregor and Tara Fitzgerald. Yes, they're excellent here, but their sappy sub-plot represents only a small part of the movie. It's far from the best part, and their upbeat mugs are not at all representative of the main themes and prevailing mood of the film.This film can be best described as a pre-Full Monty Full Monty. But it wears its heart on its sleeve far more prominently than The Full Monty does. You may not agree with the politics espoused here (which are virulently anti-Thatcher), but you have to admire a film with the guts to lay its emotions out so honestly like this one does. Reminds me of "Three Kings" in that way.
Here are four good reasons to pick up this film for a viewing:
1. For an American viewer, it's a good primer on the UK coal industry and the "changes" (quotes intended) undertaken to it during Margaret Thatcher's administration.
2. Fantastic music. Even if you don't regard yourself as a brass band fan, the presentations of the songs in this film are quite stirring.
3. Tara Fitzgerald. Certainly better here vs. the bizarre setting that was "Sirens." She really looks great in this film.
4. Peter Postlethwaite. The center around which this movie revolves. This is one amazing actor. To think this same guy is Kobayashi in "The Usual Suspects." Boy, talk about range.
Movie Review: 'Shafted'!
Summary: 4 Stars
This movie, along with a masterful cast, truly deserves five stars! Yet it was nearly awarded a mere 3. Why?
The storyline and the acting are superb. The production is excellent and the camera-work first rate. Even the coarse - but truthfully and accurately portrayed - language, is acceptable to this reviewer, although it might not be to everyone.
So, what was it that so nearly caused this movie to be classed as 'poor' entertainment? It was the strident, over powering, political haranguement the viewer was subjected to throughout the movie. Rarely does a political argument become relevant for long. Time changes all things - including political thought and actions. What was highly relevent in the 80's is, now, utterly irrelevant. This movie was set in the troublesome times of the 80's in Industrial England - in particular, a mining area.
If the viewer can view the movie as a movie and enjoy the craftsmanship that went into it from all concerned, it is a most enjoyable experience. If, however, one allows one's politics to interfere - then the movie becomes an annoyance.
Take heart, however, the politics espoused were not those of the reviewer. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the overall great product that was 'Brassed Off'!
Movie Review: The brass, the band, the conflict
Summary: 4 Stars
Brassed Off!
There is something about brass bands. Some sense of community, some sense of coming of age, some sense of the underdog to more accepted forms of music like symphonies and angst-ridden twenty-something pop.
This is a great movie for all who were part of bands in high school or community bands where they may have played in the band shell during the summer. The plot is basic and the conflict is simple but the music and the love of how it reflects the locals and creates some pride is wonderful. The actors are better than average and certainly well known. The parts are not challenging but still the piece works its magic.
It is a Brit thing, for some that may increase the honesty of the piece. Did not matter to me, a good reminder about music that moves without the charts, the hype, and the mass market appeal.
Movie Review: Brassed off is a real treat......with top notch performances
Summary: 4 Stars
Pete Postlethwaite (William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, The Usual Suspects) plays Danny, the conductor of The Grimley Colliery Band and who lives in a town where soon many jobs will be on the line do to a redundancy. He has his son Phil, played by Stephen Tompkinson in his band as well and his son is facing losing his job with losing his family because he didnt pay these 2 guys on time...also he does clown work for little kids at partys and such. Also in the band is Andy, played by the always superuber cool Ewan McGregor (Star Wars Episodes 1-3, the upcoming The Island) and when his ex-lover Gloria, played by the lovely Tara Fitzgerald, things around them all start to turn. A smart, funny and enjoyable movie with Postlethwaite, McGregor, Fitzgerald and especially Tompkinson in flawless performances...dont miss this really exciting and heartfelt treat.Movie Review: Best of British
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a wonderful film with good characters, the right mix of humour and pathos. I'm not sure how it would fare outside of Britain but I'm sure some people might be able to sympathise with the various characters and situations that crop up throughout the film. For my money the best best British film this decade, easily beating Four Weddings and The Full Monty. When I first heard about this film I wondered why I would want to watch a film about a brass band. Now I not only enjoy the film but I also enjoy the music. This film came before The Full Monty and has similar themes - people dealing with unemployment in their own way. Featuring a first rate British cast - the ever excellent Pete Postlethwaite, the brilliant Ewan McGregor and the totally gorgeous and talented Tara FitzGerald.
If you must buy one British movie then get this one.