This Movie is Rated R – For Language
Ok, first off, it appears that this movie was marketed differently depending on the country. Here in the U.S. it was billed as a hilarious romantic comedy. Whoever, thought that was a good idea should be fired (I mean did they even watch the movie). Yes, there is comedy and a small bit of romance, but it isn’t the focus of the movie. I would call it more of a drama with comedic elements. Just look at the title “Brassed Off” and the definition given at the beginning of the film; British slang for dejected, fed up, upset, generally pissed off.
The movie is set in a small town in Yorkshire. The main employer is Grimely Colliery (a pit coal mine). The British Government is in the process of shutting down many of the coal mines in the country. Grimely has been targeted as the next one to possibly be shut down. The workers are given a choice of taking a lump sum payout or for pit review. Which is a study to see if the pit is still economically viable and in turn could potentially save their jobs. They will vote on it the following week.
A bunch of the mine workers also play in the Grimely Colliery Brass Band. The band is a long standing tradition in the community and has been around pretty much as long as the mine has been. They compete against other bands throughout the country. Danny (Pete Postlethwaite) is the conductor. He is an older man that used to work in the mines, but now his life revolves around the band.
His son, Phil (Stephen Tompkinson) plays trombone in the band. He is also works in the mine. He is married and has four children. His family is suffering severe financial hardship due to a strike that happened ten years ago. They still haven’t managed to dig themselves out from the huge debt incurred during it. He tries to supplement his income by moonlighting as a clown, Mr. Chuckles, at children’s parties.
Andy (Ewan McGregor) is one of the younger miners and band members. He is single and pretty much, works, attends band practice and plays pool at the local pub. Andy doesn’t seem all that happy with his life and just kind of goes through the motions. That is until Gloria (Tara Fitzgerald) shows up in town. Turns out she is originally from Grimely and they had a brief but memorable encounter in their teens. Andy really lights up when he sees her.
Gloria’s grandfather used to be a band member, he played the flugel. Which she now plays, it was passed on to her when he died. After hearing her play, Danny, asks her to join the band, which she happily does. Having a young woman like Gloria join the band (it was all men before) really helped to revitalize them. Everyone had been so down due to the possibility of the mine closing and it seems that she was just what they needed.
We get to see how the people of the town are affected by the potential closure. Some decide to fight it and stage protests. Others have pretty much given up hope and figure it is inevitable. The band members also have to decide what happens to the band if the mine closes. It is something they enjoy and has been a huge part of their lives. Will they just walk away from it?
This is a great movie. It takes a look at how the actions of the government affect the people. Also raising questions about the motivation of the government (i.e. Margaret Thatcher and the Tories). Ok, I’ll admit it; I purchased this movie purely because Ewan is in it. While I thought he did a great job with his role, I have to say that Pete and Stephen were the real standouts. They had some incredible, very heartfelt scenes and they both did a fantastic job with them.
Some of my favorite quotes:
Jim – “Sixty years between us, you and me, down t’pit frightened of nothin’. When it comes to telling Danny boy we’re packing t’band in …”
Ernie – “We’re sh*tting bloody bricks.”
Danny – “I’ll have you know, that girl blows flugel like a dream.”
Vera – “Oh! Danny Ormondroyd. At your age.”
Danny – “What?”
Danny – “I mean, look at them. If some of them were alive today, they’d be turning in their bloody graves, they would.”
Andy – “Oh, aye, daft old codger. If it weren’t for band, I reckon he’d pop his clogs.”
Phil – “Dad. I like the band. I love the band. We all do. But there’s other things in life, you know, that’s more important.”
Danny – “Not in mine, there isn’t.”
Gloria – “Then you must have some hope.”
Andy – “No hope. Just principles.”
Gloria – “Do you want to come up for a coffee?”
Andy – “I don’t drink coffee.”
Gloria – “I haven’t got any.”
Danny – “All right, Andy, lad?” What’ve you been up to?”
Andy – “Oh, a … bit of extra practice, like.”
Danny – “Well, you’re a genius, you, aren’t ya?”
Andy – “What?”
Danny – “It takes a special talent, that practicing …. without your instrument.”
Andy – “You don’t mess around with words like that.”
Jim – “I’m sorry, Andy. Take it back. You’re just a stupid f*cker.”
Andy – “That’s more like it.”
Jim – “All right?”
Gloria – “Was that a thank you?”
Andy – “More than that. I’ve never know him to gush like that before.”
Jan
Following is additional information about the show that contains spoilers. If you don’t want to be spoiled don’t read any further.
I loved the scene outside the hospital when the band gets together to play “Danny Boy” for Danny. It’s nighttime and they are all wearing mine headlamps. Andy is whistling along, since he had bet his trumpet earlier, in a game of pool, and subsequently lost it. Phil has tears in his eyes while he’s playing. It’s such an emotional, haunting moment.
The Grimely Colliers performance at the final in Albert Hall was terrific. I was happy that Danny managed to make it there before they were done performing. Then to have them win made it extra special. Danny’s speech was incredibly moving.
