Common Sense Media Review
By Tracey Petherick
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gritty comedy drama has positive messages, strong language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Brassed Off
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Set in the north of England in the mid-1990s, BRASSED OFF follows the story of the Grimley Colliery Brass Band and its members. With the possible closure of the local coal mine, the livelihoods of each member of the band is under increasing threat leading to a pessimistic mood. But when Gloria (Tara Fitzgerald) arrives back in her home town and joins the band she brings a welcome injection of energy and enthusiasm, particularly from her childhood sweetheart, Andy (Ewan McGregor). Yet it soon transpires that Gloria is working for the Colliery management and the rest of the band are immediately suspicious of her motives. Meanwhile band conductor Danny (Pete Postlethwaite), battling with ailing health, is determined to take them through to the finals of the National Brass Band Championships despite his son Phil (Stephen Tompkinson) questioning his priorities. Because when life's this hard, maybe it takes more than music to survive.
Is It Any Good?
A gritty but often tender portrait of working class Britain in the 1990s, this bittersweet comedy drama finds the humor in a sometimes unbearably sad story. Inspired by the experiences of the real life Grimethorpe Colliery Band (who provide the soundtrack for the movie), Brassed Off charts the heartbreaking challenges faced by coal miners and their families when impending pit closures threatened their livelihoods and brought many to financial -- and emotional -- ruin.
Thankfully, the bleak setting and emotive storyline are offset by a sharp, witty script, rousing music, and brilliant acting. An experienced ensemble cast give strong support to powerful performances from Postlethwaite and Tompkinson and there is a touching chemistry between McGregor and Fitzgerald. Tapping into the psychology of people pushed to their limit but finding a way to survive, Brassed Off expertly portrays the domestic grind, workplace camaraderie, and relationship woes. Among all the despair, humiliation, and bitterness there is romance, joy, optimism, and uplifting music. You'll definitely laugh, you'll probably cry, and you might even want to take up the flugelhorn.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the range of character traits in Brassed Off. Which characters exhibit empathy, loyalty, or perseverance? How do some characters display or contradict stereotypes? The notion of pride is prominent throughout this story. In what ways can pride be a positive -- or negative -- trait?
Talk about the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How did some of the male characters act toward Gloria? How did Gloria cope in these situations? Did you think she handled it well? Is it acceptable to make lewd or sexist comments if they are lighthearted and jokey?
Consider the ways in which the movie addressed mental health. How did you feel when Phil, dressed as Coco the Clown, broke down in front of a group of young children? Did you feel sympathy for his character? Empathy?
Did you know anything about this period of British history? Has it inspired you to learn more? Discuss how movies can teach us about the past.
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 23, 1997
- On DVD or streaming : June 15, 1999
- Cast : Pete Postlethwaite , Tara Fitzgerald , Ewan McGregor
- Director : Mark Herman
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Miramax
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy , Perseverance
- Run time : 108 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate