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From Amazon.co.uk
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 favour 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 labour-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
Product Description
Brassed Off [DVD] [1996]
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
40 of 40 people found the following review helpful
By Di Le Bec
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
The story is one of quiet desperation among miners who want to continue to work - despite the dangers and hardships of the profession - but know that in the 1980s and early 90s the politics are against them and that the possiblity of a management review to keep their pit open is a sham. With no hope on the horizon the colliery band is on the verge of breaking up when in walks a girl with a flugel...
I was never much of fan of brass bands - until I watched this film. The acting is superb, the script spot on but the music lifts the film into another dimension.
I was never much of fan of brass bands - until I watched this film. The acting is superb, the script spot on but the music lifts the film into another dimension.
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
If like me you went through the morally bankrupt eighties accepting the view that the miners were a bunch of self interested thugs then you must see this film. I can't watch it without being deeply moved and feeling totally ashamed of my former opinion.
Of course, Pete Postlethwaite is, as ever, totally brilliant, the other members of the cast superb and the music, the music is just absolutely glorious. What more can you ask than to be entertained, educated an uplifted. Entertainment does not get any better than this!
Of course, Pete Postlethwaite is, as ever, totally brilliant, the other members of the cast superb and the music, the music is just absolutely glorious. What more can you ask than to be entertained, educated an uplifted. Entertainment does not get any better than this!
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
As a tenor horn player and Ewan McGregor's future wife (he may not know it yet...), this film combines two of my favourite things in the world. Although the underlying plot line is less than cheerful, focussing on the many British pit closures of the 1980s and 1990s, I can't help but feel uplifted after watching it. For fans of brass banding, there is a cracking soundtrack, with many old favourites; even if you couldn't tell a tuba from a tubular bell, I bet you enjoy the music! All of the actors' performances are excellent, with Stephen Tomkinson's character exceptionally convincing. It is something of a tragi-comedy, with tears being raised nearly as often as laughter, but ultimately it is a feel-good film which will leave you with a smile on your face and, if you're lucky, a few brass band pieces stuck in your head for the following week!
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4.8 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful music woven around the story of miners and their families.
Sadly, I missed the tv series on which this film is based. This is brass band music played at its best; interwoven with the story of a mining town and it's people facing the... Read more
Published 5 days ago by G W Fisher
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fanastic
Brilliant film stood the test of time. Doesn't seem dated at all lots of laughs and some serious moments good mix
Published 8 days ago by Sue G
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superfast delivery Item as described a smooth honest transaction from...
I love this film for its honesty and the acting is superb. Pete Postlethwaite is brilliant. Watch it over and over again. Brilliant Movie.
Published 9 days ago by Janet Jess
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not "brassed off" with this film!
Just love this film but only had it on VHS so had to throw it away - this is a replacement.
Published 9 days ago by Barbara Wilson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Powerful and musically brilliant
A powerful story about the working class people struggling to move on when bureaucracy and industrial development force them away from their jobs in the pits. Read more
Published 19 days ago by Nilsson Tony
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brassed Off
Absolutely marvellous! The late great Pete Postlethwaite was fantastic in this film. It was so easy to lose oneself in this film, and really care about the characters.
Published 23 days ago by Sue Heard
5.0 out of 5 stars
a loved classic
watched it years ago and remembered the performance of Peter and rest of the cast. A reminder of a bitter experience for the miners
Published 26 days ago by Milly
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant
Stunning just couldn't switch off and have had to have it ripped out of my hands such was the compulsion to watch it.
Published 1 month ago by S C Cousins/sccousins@btinternet.com
5.0 out of 5 stars
Better than ever
I have seen this film many times and it always moves me to tears and some laugh out loud moments. The actors "play " their instruments so brilliantly you would never know... Read more
Published 1 month ago by oldie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Doesn't matter how many times I see it, I still love it.
Brilliant film, brilliant story set in the backdrop of the closure of mines and loss of their surrounding communities. Read more
Published 1 month ago by She Moll
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