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Danny (Pete Postlethwaite) the conductor of the Grimley Colliery
Brass Band has another reason for rejecting the Coal Board's
offer; if the mine closes, the band will be finished.
Two players are about to resign but when an appealing flugel-horn
player, Gloria (Tara Fitzgerald), joins, they postpone their
decision, much to the joy of bandsman Andy (Ewan McGregor).
Re-invigorated the band goes on to win the regional final
at Halifax. Back in Grimley they find the majority of the
miners have voted to accept redundancy; so the mine will close.
Danny has a heart attack and lies in hospital. Grimley Colliery
Band will never make it to the National Final at the Albert
Hall. Or will it? Gloria has the solution, but will it be
accepted?
'Brassed Off!' is a feel-good film with a simple storyline,
a dose of social commentary and a wealth of good humour.
The principal actors are robust and sensitive, lead by a
brilliant performance by Pete Postlethwaite (Danny) and featuring
veterans Jim Carter (Harry), Philip Jackson (Jim), Peter Martin
(Ernie), Stephen Tompkinson (Phil), and Sue Johnson (Vera).
All the bit parts are well cast and played by a host of characters
familiar to television viewers.
Ewan McGregor and Tara Fitzgerald inject youthful romance,
which broadens the audience range.
Question: What raises 'Brassed Off!' from a good movie to
a great one? Answer: The music; brass band classics performed
with verve by one of the 'Best of British', the Grimethorpe
Colliery Band whose members also prove themselves to be excellent
actors.
The film's humour under adversity is wonderful. Phil is contemplating
another suicide attempt because apart from losing his wife
he's voted for redundancy and cash.
He doesn't know his friends have done the same.
Phil: "What! Want to drink with scabs do yer?"
Jim: "Phil lad! Don't be a drama queen! Come and have a wet
with us…besides… there's enough rubbish in this canal already."
Conclusion: Movie 90% Extras - 75%
Continued: DVD
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