Brassed Off (1996)

Brassed Off (1996)
Play Trailer and Clips
Member Rating:  
Economics and music are the twin focal points of this comedy/drama about a community in crisis. The small British town of Grimley has long been dominated by the coal mine where most of the men work, and the town's greatest source of pride is the Grimley Colliery Band, a brass ensemble that's won a number of nationwide competitions. Danny (Pete Postlewaite) is a retired miner in poor health who directs the band; a national championship is coming up, and Danny is determined that Grimley will walk away with a trophy. But many of his musicians have other things on their minds: word has it that the mine may soon close down, and, in a city already suffering an economic downturn, this is just short of a death sentence. Adding to the intrigue is the return of Gloria (Tara Fitzgerald), who used to live in Grimley and is back in town for a while on an assignment. While the band has traditionally been all-male, Danny considers bending the rules to allow Gloria in the band, as she's a fine fluglehorn player, but her presence is bad news for the town: she works for the government and is investigating the feasibility of closing down the mine. Ace trumpeter Andy (Ewan McGregor) also has mixed feelings about Gloria; they were once a couple, and he still has feelings for her, but he's not sure he wants to set himself up for another breakup. The real-life Grimethorpe Colliery Band performs on the soundtrack. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

 Read More


Starring:
Pete PostlethwaiteTara Fitzgerald, (more)
Director(s):
Mark Herman
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
View All Versions to rent and buy
 
 
 
 

Synopsis of Brassed Off

Economics and music are the twin focal points of this comedy/drama about a community in crisis. The small British town of Grimley has long been dominated by the coal mine where most of the men work, and the town's greatest source of pride is the Grimley Colliery Band, a brass ensemble that's won a number of nationwide competitions. Danny (Pete Postlewaite) is a retired miner in poor health who directs the band; a national championship is coming up, and Danny is determined that Grimley will walk away with a trophy. But many of his musicians have other things on their minds: word has it that the mine may soon close down, and, in a city already suffering an economic downturn, this is just short of a death sentence. Adding to the intrigue is the return of Gloria (Tara Fitzgerald), who used to live in Grimley and is back in town for a while on an assignment. While the band has traditionally been all-male, Danny considers bending the rules to allow Gloria in the band, as she's a fine fluglehorn player, but her presence is bad news for the town: she works for the government and is investigating the feasibility of closing down the mine. Ace trumpeter Andy (Ewan McGregor) also has mixed feelings about Gloria; they were once a couple, and he still has feelings for her, but he's not sure he wants to set himself up for another breakup. The real-life Grimethorpe Colliery Band performs on the soundtrack. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
101 mins

Complete Cast of Brassed Off


Director(s):
Mark Herman
Writer(s):
Mark Herman
Producer(s):
Steve Abbott
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Adult Situations)
Brassed Off Awards:
  • 1997 - French Academy of Cinema - Best Foreign Film
  • 1997 - Lumière de Paris d'Unifrance - Best Foreign Film
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

Looking for special editions of Brassed Off?
See All Versions
Subtitles:
Check All Versions
Closed Captioning:
Check All Versions
 
 
 
 

BY MAIL

Monthly Subscription 
NEW! 7 - Day Rental
No subscription required. Usually ships in 24 hours.
 

IN-STORE

 

What's Your Take?

Add to FavoritesIn Favorites  |  Share:     Email to a friendShare on FacebookShare on Twitter
YOUR REVIEW
WRITE A REVIEW
 
1000 
 
Member Reviews
 
Kirk and Cynthia D.

Predictable in places, but a good story line and worth renting for the music in nothing else. A common story about big business/government sticking to the working class, but with the Englsh conservative govenment as the bad guys and coal miners as the little guys. Pete Postlethwaite is one of my favorites in this movie and Ewan McGregor does a great job as Andy. But it's the interplay with all the characters and the band that really makes this worth watching. The music played by the band and the band's importance or unimportance to each of the characters is what the movie revolves around. All in all, predictable but worth renting.

Yes   |   No

 
Mim M.

I definitely recommend this one. Lots of sad things happening through most of the movie but ends on a good note (pardon the pun). btw, the music was great, and apparently, according to the credits, performed by the real band featured in the movie.

Yes   |   No

 
Steven C.

I loved this movie. Some campy scenes but in general, good music, great story and very appropriate to our times!

Yes   |   No

 
Read All 11 Reviews