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Brassed Off
Great Britain - 1996
Directed by Mark Herman
The life and times of Grimely Colliery and its brass band may not sound like the most enticing premise for a film, but Brassed Off was undoubtedly one of the best releases of last year. Despite being set in Grimely the film is essentially a comedy, managing also to be stirring and emotive.
The film stars Ewan McGregor in a bit of a contrast to his previous Trainspotting role as miner Andy. Pete Postlethwaite, Tara Fitzgerald and a hord of familiar (mostly TV) UK actors including Stephen Tompkinson (Ballykissangel). Based around the pit closures of the early 1990s, the film charts the progress of a community through its brass band.
The band begin the film in a state of despondency at the inevitable job losses and due threat to the community, but become the focus for hope as they go from strength to strength (with the help of Tara Fitzgerald), with the ultimate goal of brass band finals in the Albert Hall.
Whilst there is always a sense of struggling against the odds, the film is essentially up-beat, largely through the immense sense of community spirit evoked by the closures. The film could easily have been merely worthy but instead is a high class offering with too much humour, pathos and nonchalance for it to have come even close.
On the face of it, Brassed Off has it all: A host of good performances (particularly Pete Postlethwaite, who is no less than superb as Danny, the band's conductor/leader), conflicts of interest and loyalty, romance, impossibly moving life threatening illnesses, lots of striving against the odds, momentous speeches (`they'll shut us down but they'll never shut us up'), tension, setbacks and a huge finale. All this and it still manages to be human. There are some particularly brilliant touches; not least the sight of Tompkinson swinging by a rope in a clown's outfit in a botched suicide attempt, and the romance of Tara Fitzgerald and ex-childhood sweetheart Ewan McGregor over fish and chips in the salubrious surroundings of the `In Cod We Trust' Restaurant.
Brassed Off is difficult to dislike or fail to enjoy. It does however tread a particularly fine line between over-sentimentalising and making light of the issues. On the whole however, as Herman's first film this is a triumph (also as regards the rehabilitation of the brass band. I guarantee over half the people watching this come out with renewed respect!). Brassed Off is funny, touching, important and irresistibly enjoyable to the last.
Runtime: 105 Minutes
Review by Melanie J Baker
Taken from EUFS Programme 1997-98
Copyright © 1995-1998 Edinburgh
University Film Society
Guest Comments
From: "?"
"I thought it was an excellent movie and would recommend it to anyone. The climax was very moving, Peter Postlewaite acting is superb. I really don't understand, I never heard of him until 5 years(maybe) ago."
From: "Vonstable"
"Fabulous - the best film I've seen - although being a wife of one of the players I
am rather biased!!"
From: "sousafone"
"Great film and terriffic music. Is a CD available?"
From: "Ben Pritchard"
"Excellent film!! i cant believe it has been out for so many years and i haven't seen it. Excellent show of mixed obligations between characters. A great film to study."
From: "Anonymous"
"Although i am only 17, i first saw this movie 2 years ago and have not been able to stop watching it since. I think it is a most awesome film about real-life situations. Bravo!"
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