Brassed Off
Brassed Off

Brassed Off

1996Movie107 minEnglish

A Yorkshire coal mine is threatened with closure and the only hope is for the men to enter their Grimley Colliery Brass Band into a national competition. They believe they have no hope until Gloria appears carrying her Flugelhorn. At first mocked for being a woman, she soon becomes the only chance for the band to win.

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Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes77%
Metacritic73/100
Google Users87%
Director: Mark HermanGenres: Comedy, Drama, Music

Plot Summary

Set against the backdrop of the 1984-85 miners' strike, Brassed Off follows the Grimethorpe Colliery Band as they battle to keep their community and their beloved brass band alive. Facing the closure of their pit, the miners must find a new purpose and source of pride. The band's journey becomes intertwined with the personal struggles of its members, offering moments of both heartbreak and soaring triumph.

Critical Reception

Brassed Off was widely acclaimed for its powerful blend of humor, pathos, and social commentary. Critics praised its authentic portrayal of working-class life, the resilience of the human spirit, and the stirring performances, particularly from Pete Postlethwaite. The film resonated with audiences for its emotional depth and its celebration of community and music.

What Reviewers Say

  • A heartwarming and poignant story about community resilience and the power of music.
  • Features a standout performance from Pete Postlethwaite, capturing the spirit of a striking miner.
  • Effectively balances humor and tragedy, offering a moving look at a challenging historical period.

Google audience: Audiences loved the film's emotional impact, its authentic depiction of the miners' struggles, and the uplifting power of the brass band music. Many found it to be a touching and memorable experience.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Original Song at the 69th Academy Awards for 'Fireman's Lullaby' (music by George Fenton, lyrics by Roger Cook). Won Best Comedy Film at the London Film Critics Circle Awards.

Fun Fact

The real Grimethorpe Colliery Band, which inspired the film, actually played at the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

A touching drama of a declining mining community in Margaret Thatcher's Britain. Pete Postlethwaite is subtle but forceful in his portrayal of "Danny"; the leader of the Grimley Colliery Band - one of the traditional brass bands that usuall...
John Chard

John Chard

Land of bloody hope and glory eh! Grimley Colliery Brass Band has been going for nigh on a century, but as the town's colliery itself comes under threat of closure due to the drawn out miners strikes, so does the bands very own survival....