Brassed Off!
Starring:Pete Postlethwaite, Tara Fitzgerald, Ewan McGregor, Stephen Tompkinson, Jim Carter, Philip Jackson (II), Peter Martin (III), Sue Johnston, Mary Healey, Melanie Hill, Lill Roughley, Peter Gunn, Stephen Moore, Kenneth Colley, Olga Grahame, Toni Galacki, Sky Ingram, Luke McGann, Christopher Tetlow, Bernard Wrigley
Director: Mark Herman
Studio: Miramax
Product Type: DVD
Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
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
Description
This delightfully entertaining comedy treat features hot screen stars Ewan McGregor (STAR WARS EPISODE 1: THE PHANTOM MENACE, MOULIN ROUGE) and sexy Tara Fitzgerald (SIRENS). It's the critically acclaimed story about two old friends -- and ex-lovers -- whose surprise reunion turns their lives ... and the lives of everyone else in town ... hilariously upside down! Also starring screen favorite Pete Postlethwaite (JURASSIC PARK: THE LOST WORLD; THE USUAL SUSPECTS) -- don't miss the fun of the laugh-filled comedy that entertained and captivated audiences everywhere!
Average customer rating:
- Brassed Off: History of Britain through musical eyes
- Wonderful film
- A great little movie!
- 'Shafted'!
- Great movie, Bad Packaging.
|
Brassed Off!
Starring: Pete Postlethwaite , Tara Fitzgerald , Ewan McGregor , Stephen Tompkinson , and Jim Carter
Director: Mark Herman
Manufacturer: Miramax
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
 General
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Carter, Jim
| ( C )
| Actors & Actresses
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Colley, Kenneth
| ( C )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
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Fitzgerald, Tara
| ( F )
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| DVD
| Video
Grahame, Olga
| ( G )
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Gunn, Peter
| ( G )
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Healey, Mary
| ( H )
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Hill, Melanie
| ( H )
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Ingram, Sky
| ( I )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Johnston, Sue
| ( J )
| Actors & Actresses
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| DVD
| Video
McGann, Luke
| ( M )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
McGregor, Ewan
| ( M )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
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Moore, Stephen
| ( M )
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| DVD
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Postlethwaite, Pete
| ( P )
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Roughley, Lill
| ( R )
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Tetlow, Christopher
| ( T )
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| DVD
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Tompkinson, Stephen
| ( T )
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Wrigley, Bernard
| ( W )
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Similar Items:
- Brassed Off!: Original Soundtrack From The Miramax Motion Picture
- Little Voice
- Shallow Grave
- A Life Less Ordinary
- The Full Monty
ASIN: B00000IQC5
Release Date: 1999-06-15 |
Amazon.com
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
Description
This delightfully entertaining comedy treat features hot screen stars Ewan McGregor (STAR WARS EPISODE 1: THE PHANTOM MENACE, MOULIN ROUGE) and sexy Tara Fitzgerald (SIRENS). It's the critically acclaimed story about two old friends -- and ex-lovers -- whose surprise reunion turns their lives ... and the lives of everyone else in town ... hilariously upside down! Also starring screen favorite Pete Postlethwaite (JURASSIC PARK: THE LOST WORLD; THE USUAL SUSPECTS) -- don't miss the fun of the laugh-filled comedy that entertained and captivated audiences everywhere!
Customer Reviews:
Brassed Off: History of Britain through musical eyes.......2007-06-27
Another masterpiece. I was on the edge of my seat viewing this movie. I have viewed this five times since! It confirmed what I knew of the brass band movement in the UK and it prepared me for my trip last year to the British Brass Band Championship in London England last year. Strangely, the band protrayed in the movie under a different name was the 2006 winner! A must see for all music lovers who are into brass music. You learn about the traditions that made the brass band movement in the UK a unique experience for its audience and participants.
Wonderful film.......2007-05-29
The packaging for Brassed Off! gives the impression that it's a romantic comedy, but though it does have both romance and comedy, it's really more about a group of coal miners who play in a local brass band. It is rather in the same spirit as The Full Monty and Calendar Girls.
In the story, the band members are trying to prepare for a performance at a major band competition, at the same time as they are facing the impending closure of the coal mine, the loss of their jobs, the disintegration of their families and the destruction of their community. In other words, a pretty serious film with a lot of sadness to it, though ending on a fairly upbeat note -- and very well done.
Other than the two young romantic leads (Ewan MacGregor & Tara Fitzgerald), Pete Postlethwaite was the only other actor I had ever seen or heard of before -- and I had previously felt a very strong aversion to him, after seeing him in the role of a horribly sadistic villain in one of the Sharpe films. So up till now I had avoided movies in which he appeared, but I will avoid him no more, because he was terrific -- totally believable, totally sympathetic -- and I loved the speech he gave at the end.
The rest of the cast were also wonderful -- they all just looked and seemed like real, ordinary people.
I also must say that I never cared much for the William Tell Overture (or for brass bands, for that matter) but this band's rendition of it was amazing -- it practically had me jumping up and down with excitement. According to the credits, the music was played by an actual colliery band, which made the performance even more amazing!
Highly recommended.
A great little movie!.......2007-04-10
The English have done it again. A great little movie where you get so envolved with the characters and their music. Simple story of going outside of ourselves and the mundane. I agree the packaging of this movie is awful but I suppose it attracts buyers just by the cover.
This is not just an English story. We all are experiencing the layoffs everyday of our lives no matter where we live.
Uplifting story of teamwork and devotion.
'Shafted'!.......2006-07-08
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'!
Great movie, Bad Packaging........2006-04-06
This is one of those movies that they felt had to be dressed up a bit in order for the dumb movie audience to give it a chance. Or so this is how they film studios see it anyway. This is certainly a message movie, and its not so sutble message about anti-Thatcherism hits you on the head like a brick! Americans ignorant about Britain today might have a hard time following it. However, if one disregards the rather dated politics here, the theme of the movie can be seen as a universal one in that long-time workers are now frequently the victims of changing economics.
More than anything else this is a movie about music and brass bands. The opening march by R. B. Hall "Death or Glory" says it all! For the players in this band their fight for the mine is a death or glory proposition. Incidently Hall was a little known New England composer of marches, and its interesting that his music should make it back acorss the pond for English brass bands. My personal tastes runs for Military bands in which the instrumentation is richer and more varied. Brass bands don't have any woodwinds! The softer tone they produce is a more mellow sound, compared to the richer, stirring military band.
Its nice to see that the working class of the mines in England produced these high quality bands. No comparison can be fond here in the States with mine workers. You would sooner find most US blue collar workers in topless bars after their shift rather than going to band practice! So these bands are a part of England's cultural scene, and the popular band music they played was often a bridge for the common man between the classical concert hall and the out-door band concert. Their loss would certainly be sad. The band portrayed here in the film is an actual famous brass band, and it would be interesting to know if it was really disbanded because of the Yorkshire mine closings.
The actors do a fine job. Pete Postlewaite is wonderful. Anything he does seems to be golden. Tara Fitsgerald is very appealing and seductive. Shes's also wonderful to see in almost anything. The plot has its usual twists and turns that keeps the interest. The human dramas behind the music is what is most compelling about this film.
A movie should be made about the many fine regimental bands that have been disbanded in the British army in recent years. Like the civilian band portrayed here, many of these bands had histories that went back for centuries, and their loss to the regiments which had them was keen. The many fine musicians in them were also forced into redundancy or had to seek non-musical employment in the army. Certainly what Blair has done here is every bit as bad as what Thatcher did to the mines. The destruction of these many fine military bands was a loss to communities as well as to the morale of their regiments. The loss of any band is a cultural loss, whether civilian or military. With young listeners today increasingly having no exposure to music other than dreadful pop, the loss of such bands is truly a dire situation. These musical entities with their free open air concerts were a vital link for people to hear different kinds of music. I can't imagine what the music tastes of people will be in the future. For sure it won't be that good.
This is deffinitely a fine movie, with good plot, strong acting, and some wonderful brass music. If viewers become inspired to listen to this kind of music as a result of this film then all should not be in vain. Strongly recommeded despite the silly box cover!
![Brassed Off [Region 2]](http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/31M4W49JNTL.gif)
Average customer rating:
- Brassed Off: History of Britain through musical eyes
- Wonderful film
- A great little movie!
- 'Shafted'!
- Great movie, Bad Packaging.
|
Brassed Off [Region 2]
Starring: Pete Postlethwaite , Tara Fitzgerald , Ewan McGregor , Stephen Tompkinson , and Jim Carter
Director: Mark Herman
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
General
| Comedy
| Genres
| DVD
| Video
Carter, Jim
| ( C )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Colley, Kenneth
| ( C )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Fitzgerald, Tara
| ( F )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Grahame, Olga
| ( G )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Gunn, Peter
| ( G )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Healey, Mary
| ( H )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Hill, Melanie
| ( H )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Ingram, Sky
| ( I )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Johnston, Sue
| ( J )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
McGann, Luke
| ( M )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
McGregor, Ewan
| ( M )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Moore, Stephen
| ( M )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Postlethwaite, Pete
| ( P )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Roughley, Lill
| ( R )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Tetlow, Christopher
| ( T )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Tompkinson, Stephen
| ( T )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Wrigley, Bernard
| ( W )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Herman, Mark
| ( H )
| Directors
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
( B )
| Titles
| Features
| DVD
| Video
Similar Items:
- Brassed Off!: Original Soundtrack From The Miramax Motion Picture
- Little Voice
- Shallow Grave
- A Life Less Ordinary
- The Full Monty
ASIN: B00004RYMT |
Amazon.com
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
Customer Reviews:
Brassed Off: History of Britain through musical eyes.......2007-06-27
Another masterpiece. I was on the edge of my seat viewing this movie. I have viewed this five times since! It confirmed what I knew of the brass band movement in the UK and it prepared me for my trip last year to the British Brass Band Championship in London England last year. Strangely, the band protrayed in the movie under a different name was the 2006 winner! A must see for all music lovers who are into brass music. You learn about the traditions that made the brass band movement in the UK a unique experience for its audience and participants.
Wonderful film.......2007-05-29
The packaging for Brassed Off! gives the impression that it's a romantic comedy, but though it does have both romance and comedy, it's really more about a group of coal miners who play in a local brass band. It is rather in the same spirit as The Full Monty and Calendar Girls.
In the story, the band members are trying to prepare for a performance at a major band competition, at the same time as they are facing the impending closure of the coal mine, the loss of their jobs, the disintegration of their families and the destruction of their community. In other words, a pretty serious film with a lot of sadness to it, though ending on a fairly upbeat note -- and very well done.
Other than the two young romantic leads (Ewan MacGregor & Tara Fitzgerald), Pete Postlethwaite was the only other actor I had ever seen or heard of before -- and I had previously felt a very strong aversion to him, after seeing him in the role of a horribly sadistic villain in one of the Sharpe films. So up till now I had avoided movies in which he appeared, but I will avoid him no more, because he was terrific -- totally believable, totally sympathetic -- and I loved the speech he gave at the end.
The rest of the cast were also wonderful -- they all just looked and seemed like real, ordinary people.
I also must say that I never cared much for the William Tell Overture (or for brass bands, for that matter) but this band's rendition of it was amazing -- it practically had me jumping up and down with excitement. According to the credits, the music was played by an actual colliery band, which made the performance even more amazing!
Highly recommended.
A great little movie!.......2007-04-10
The English have done it again. A great little movie where you get so envolved with the characters and their music. Simple story of going outside of ourselves and the mundane. I agree the packaging of this movie is awful but I suppose it attracts buyers just by the cover.
This is not just an English story. We all are experiencing the layoffs everyday of our lives no matter where we live.
Uplifting story of teamwork and devotion.
'Shafted'!.......2006-07-08
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'!
Great movie, Bad Packaging........2006-04-06
This is one of those movies that they felt had to be dressed up a bit in order for the dumb movie audience to give it a chance. Or so this is how they film studios see it anyway. This is certainly a message movie, and its not so sutble message about anti-Thatcherism hits you on the head like a brick! Americans ignorant about Britain today might have a hard time following it. However, if one disregards the rather dated politics here, the theme of the movie can be seen as a universal one in that long-time workers are now frequently the victims of changing economics.
More than anything else this is a movie about music and brass bands. The opening march by R. B. Hall "Death or Glory" says it all! For the players in this band their fight for the mine is a death or glory proposition. Incidently Hall was a little known New England composer of marches, and its interesting that his music should make it back acorss the pond for English brass bands. My personal tastes runs for Military bands in which the instrumentation is richer and more varied. Brass bands don't have any woodwinds! The softer tone they produce is a more mellow sound, compared to the richer, stirring military band.
Its nice to see that the working class of the mines in England produced these high quality bands. No comparison can be fond here in the States with mine workers. You would sooner find most US blue collar workers in topless bars after their shift rather than going to band practice! So these bands are a part of England's cultural scene, and the popular band music they played was often a bridge for the common man between the classical concert hall and the out-door band concert. Their loss would certainly be sad. The band portrayed here in the film is an actual famous brass band, and it would be interesting to know if it was really disbanded because of the Yorkshire mine closings.
The actors do a fine job. Pete Postlewaite is wonderful. Anything he does seems to be golden. Tara Fitsgerald is very appealing and seductive. Shes's also wonderful to see in almost anything. The plot has its usual twists and turns that keeps the interest. The human dramas behind the music is what is most compelling about this film.
A movie should be made about the many fine regimental bands that have been disbanded in the British army in recent years. Like the civilian band portrayed here, many of these bands had histories that went back for centuries, and their loss to the regiments which had them was keen. The many fine musicians in them were also forced into redundancy or had to seek non-musical employment in the army. Certainly what Blair has done here is every bit as bad as what Thatcher did to the mines. The destruction of these many fine military bands was a loss to communities as well as to the morale of their regiments. The loss of any band is a cultural loss, whether civilian or military. With young listeners today increasingly having no exposure to music other than dreadful pop, the loss of such bands is truly a dire situation. These musical entities with their free open air concerts were a vital link for people to hear different kinds of music. I can't imagine what the music tastes of people will be in the future. For sure it won't be that good.
This is deffinitely a fine movie, with good plot, strong acting, and some wonderful brass music. If viewers become inspired to listen to this kind of music as a result of this film then all should not be in vain. Strongly recommeded despite the silly box cover!
![Brassed Off [Region 2]](http://www.germanelectronics88.com/noimage.gif)
Average customer rating:
- Brassed Off: History of Britain through musical eyes
- Wonderful film
- A great little movie!
- 'Shafted'!
- Great movie, Bad Packaging.
|
Brassed Off [Region 2]
Starring: Pete Postlethwaite , Tara Fitzgerald , Ewan McGregor , Stephen Tompkinson , and Jim Carter
Director: Mark Herman
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
General
| Comedy
| Genres
| DVD
| Video
Carter, Jim
| ( C )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Colley, Kenneth
| ( C )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Fitzgerald, Tara
| ( F )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Grahame, Olga
| ( G )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Gunn, Peter
| ( G )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Healey, Mary
| ( H )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Hill, Melanie
| ( H )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Ingram, Sky
| ( I )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Johnston, Sue
| ( J )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
McGann, Luke
| ( M )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
McGregor, Ewan
| ( M )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Moore, Stephen
| ( M )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Postlethwaite, Pete
| ( P )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Roughley, Lill
| ( R )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Tetlow, Christopher
| ( T )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Tompkinson, Stephen
| ( T )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Wrigley, Bernard
| ( W )
| Actors & Actresses
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
Herman, Mark
| ( H )
| Directors
| Stores
| DVD
| Video
( B )
| Titles
| Features
| DVD
| Video
Similar Items:
- Brassed Off!: Original Soundtrack From The Miramax Motion Picture
- Little Voice
- Shallow Grave
- A Life Less Ordinary
- The Full Monty
ASIN: B00004CXT1 |
Amazon.com
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
Customer Reviews:
Brassed Off: History of Britain through musical eyes.......2007-06-27
Another masterpiece. I was on the edge of my seat viewing this movie. I have viewed this five times since! It confirmed what I knew of the brass band movement in the UK and it prepared me for my trip last year to the British Brass Band Championship in London England last year. Strangely, the band protrayed in the movie under a different name was the 2006 winner! A must see for all music lovers who are into brass music. You learn about the traditions that made the brass band movement in the UK a unique experience for its audience and participants.
Wonderful film.......2007-05-29
The packaging for Brassed Off! gives the impression that it's a romantic comedy, but though it does have both romance and comedy, it's really more about a group of coal miners who play in a local brass band. It is rather in the same spirit as The Full Monty and Calendar Girls.
In the story, the band members are trying to prepare for a performance at a major band competition, at the same time as they are facing the impending closure of the coal mine, the loss of their jobs, the disintegration of their families and the destruction of their community. In other words, a pretty serious film with a lot of sadness to it, though ending on a fairly upbeat note -- and very well done.
Other than the two young romantic leads (Ewan MacGregor & Tara Fitzgerald), Pete Postlethwaite was the only other actor I had ever seen or heard of before -- and I had previously felt a very strong aversion to him, after seeing him in the role of a horribly sadistic villain in one of the Sharpe films. So up till now I had avoided movies in which he appeared, but I will avoid him no more, because he was terrific -- totally believable, totally sympathetic -- and I loved the speech he gave at the end.
The rest of the cast were also wonderful -- they all just looked and seemed like real, ordinary people.
I also must say that I never cared much for the William Tell Overture (or for brass bands, for that matter) but this band's rendition of it was amazing -- it practically had me jumping up and down with excitement. According to the credits, the music was played by an actual colliery band, which made the performance even more amazing!
Highly recommended.
A great little movie!.......2007-04-10
The English have done it again. A great little movie where you get so envolved with the characters and their music. Simple story of going outside of ourselves and the mundane. I agree the packaging of this movie is awful but I suppose it attracts buyers just by the cover.
This is not just an English story. We all are experiencing the layoffs everyday of our lives no matter where we live.
Uplifting story of teamwork and devotion.
'Shafted'!.......2006-07-08
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'!
Great movie, Bad Packaging........2006-04-06
This is one of those movies that they felt had to be dressed up a bit in order for the dumb movie audience to give it a chance. Or so this is how they film studios see it anyway. This is certainly a message movie, and its not so sutble message about anti-Thatcherism hits you on the head like a brick! Americans ignorant about Britain today might have a hard time following it. However, if one disregards the rather dated politics here, the theme of the movie can be seen as a universal one in that long-time workers are now frequently the victims of changing economics.
More than anything else this is a movie about music and brass bands. The opening march by R. B. Hall "Death or Glory" says it all! For the players in this band their fight for the mine is a death or glory proposition. Incidently Hall was a little known New England composer of marches, and its interesting that his music should make it back acorss the pond for English brass bands. My personal tastes runs for Military bands in which the instrumentation is richer and more varied. Brass bands don't have any woodwinds! The softer tone they produce is a more mellow sound, compared to the richer, stirring military band.
Its nice to see that the working class of the mines in England produced these high quality bands. No comparison can be fond here in the States with mine workers. You would sooner find most US blue collar workers in topless bars after their shift rather than going to band practice! So these bands are a part of England's cultural scene, and the popular band music they played was often a bridge for the common man between the classical concert hall and the out-door band concert. Their loss would certainly be sad. The band portrayed here in the film is an actual famous brass band, and it would be interesting to know if it was really disbanded because of the Yorkshire mine closings.
The actors do a fine job. Pete Postlewaite is wonderful. Anything he does seems to be golden. Tara Fitsgerald is very appealing and seductive. Shes's also wonderful to see in almost anything. The plot has its usual twists and turns that keeps the interest. The human dramas behind the music is what is most compelling about this film.
A movie should be made about the many fine regimental bands that have been disbanded in the British army in recent years. Like the civilian band portrayed here, many of these bands had histories that went back for centuries, and their loss to the regiments which had them was keen. The many fine musicians in them were also forced into redundancy or had to seek non-musical employment in the army. Certainly what Blair has done here is every bit as bad as what Thatcher did to the mines. The destruction of these many fine military bands was a loss to communities as well as to the morale of their regiments. The loss of any band is a cultural loss, whether civilian or military. With young listeners today increasingly having no exposure to music other than dreadful pop, the loss of such bands is truly a dire situation. These musical entities with their free open air concerts were a vital link for people to hear different kinds of music. I can't imagine what the music tastes of people will be in the future. For sure it won't be that good.
This is deffinitely a fine movie, with good plot, strong acting, and some wonderful brass music. If viewers become inspired to listen to this kind of music as a result of this film then all should not be in vain. Strongly recommeded despite the silly box cover!
![Brassed Off [Region 2]](http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/21KK3T9MGNL.jpg)
Average customer rating:
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Brassed Off [Region 2]
Starring: Pete Postlethwaite , Tara Fitzgerald , Ewan McGregor , Stephen Tompkinson , and Jim Carter
Director: Mark Herman
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD
General
| Comedy
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Carter, Jim
| ( C )
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Colley, Kenneth
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Fitzgerald, Tara
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Grahame, Olga
| ( G )
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Gunn, Peter
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Healey, Mary
| ( H )
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Hill, Melanie
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Ingram, Sky
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Johnston, Sue
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McGann, Luke
| ( M )
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McGregor, Ewan
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Moore, Stephen
| ( M )
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Postlethwaite, Pete
| ( P )
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Roughley, Lill
| ( R )
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Tetlow, Christopher
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Tompkinson, Stephen
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Wrigley, Bernard
| ( W )
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Herman, Mark
| ( H )
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( B )
| Titles
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