Review of Brassed Off (1996) by Anne F — 22 Dec 2009
This profoundly misunderstood dramedy is one of the best ensemble cast films ever made. Before Ewan McGregor and Tara Fitzgerald and Pete Postlethwaite became stars, they committed themselves to this touching, funny, rage-filled and achingly honest film about the financial and psychological stress imposed on the workers at one coal mine, all of whom play in the brass band the mine sponsors.
No spoilers here, but don't see this for the romantic comedy that Hollywood has chosen to market it--the Ewan and Tara romance is only one of the many stories going on here. Pete Postlethwaite and Steven Tompkinson have one of the most wrenching and touching father/son scenes in cinema history, and you've got stronger emotions than I do if you can sit through the scene where the band plays "Danny Boy" on the hospital lawn without shedding a tear.
Postlethwaite's final speech is legendary in Britain and has been quoted in the Chumbawhumba song "Tubthumping." Give this one a chance, but be prepared to discuss it after the credits roll; it's that kind of movie.
This review of Brassed Off (1996) was written by Anne F on 22 Dec 2009.
Brassed Off has generally received positive reviews.
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