Brilliant film, romance a tad weak?
That's a summary of my review... what do you think? - http://pdmfilmreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/brassed-off-15.html
Peter D. Marsay
Filmmaker/writer
My short film: http://vimeo.com/31021980
Nice review. I thought the film was very good, not brilliant, and that the romantic element was not only weak but unnecessary. In fact Ewan McGregor's character irritated me throughout. I agree with you about Pete Postlethwaite and felt sad watching him in role (RIP Mr Postlethwaite.) The best element of the film was the brass band and the music scenes, which were expertly done. I loved the rendition of Danny Boy outside the hospital.
I'd like to take issue with this and Trainspotting being the best British films of the 1990's but I can't at the moment so I'll leave that be. :)
I'm not trying to break your heart,share
I'm just trying hard not to fall apart
Thanks. I actually rewatched the film again recently in the wake of Margaret Thatchers death (about which I'm making a short documentary). I enjoyed the film a lot the second time round, possibly more than the first.
I'm up for hearing suggestions of superior British films from the 90s! Come to think of it I probably haven't seen all that many, I'd better remedy that sometime.
Peter D. Marsay
Filmmaker/writer
My short film: https://vimeo.com/43632174
Hello again. I went through my lists of 1990's films to see what other Brit films I would think better than Brassed Off and Trainspotting and I was pleasantly surprised to find the following:
1. East is East
2. Life is Sweet
3. Little Voice
4. Naked
5. The English Patient
6. Truly Madly Deeply
7. Orlando
8. Prospero's Books
9. Four Weddings and a Funeral
10. The Wrong Trousers
11. A Close Shave
12. Much Ado About Nothing
13. Shadowlands
14. The Tango Lesson
15. The Enchanted April
16. Trainspotting (yes it's in there)
17. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
18. Secrets & Lies
19. Shakespeare in Love
20. The Remains of the Day
There are some on that list that many won't agree with and that polarise opinion. In addition I haven't included any from Derek Jarman because I've not seen any of his 1990's work but I'm sure one or two would sneak in there.
Brassed Off would fall outside of these, though not too far outside this top 20 list. It's a film with a lot of heart but its plot was a bit formulaic for my liking.
I'm not trying to break your heart,share
I'm just trying hard not to fall apart
Wow, great list! Reminds me I haven't seen nearly enough British films yet... I'll remember that next time I go to comment on the best ones of the 90s. :-)
Peter D. Marsay
Filmmaker/writer
My short film: https://vimeo.com/43632174
I'll remember that next time I go to comment on the best ones of the 90s. :-)
I know there's plenty more I haven't seen yet either. Anyway thanks for your review that took me on this trip down memory lane and good luck with your docu about Thatcher's funeral.
I'm not trying to break your heart,share
I'm just trying hard not to fall apart