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In a Northern England village on the brink of change, a struggling colliery brass band's morale hangs by a thread as the local mine's uncertain future looms. When former flame Gloria returns, rekindling sparks with Andy (Ewan McGregor), she also finds herself swept up in the band's quest for redemption at a national competition – a last stand against the forces of change.

In a Northern England village on the brink of change, a struggling colliery brass band's morale hangs by a thread as the local mine's uncertain future looms. When former flame Gloria returns, rekindling sparks with Andy (Ewan McGregor), she also finds herself swept up in the band's quest for redemption at a national competition – a last stand against the forces of change.

Does Brassed Off have end credit scenes?

No!

Brassed Off does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Brassed Off

Explore the complete cast of Brassed Off, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Brassed Off

See how Brassed Off is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Brassed Off stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

60

Metascore

7.0

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

80%

TOMATOMETER

review

79%

User Score

IMDb

7.2 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

70

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate Brassed Off Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Brassed Off with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Brassed Off Quiz: Test your knowledge on the poignant film 'Brassed Off' and its characters as they navigate the challenges of a mining community facing closure.

What instrument does Gloria Mullins arrive with?

Awards & Nominations for Brassed Off

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Discover all the awards and nominations received by Brassed Off, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Brassed Off and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


50th British Academy Film Awards 1997

Nomination

Best Original Screenplay

Nomination

Best Original Music

Nomination

Outstanding British Film

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Brassed Off

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Read the complete plot summary of Brassed Off, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


During the opening credits, a lively brass band plays Death or Glory, capturing the stark reality of coal miners returning from their shifts, covered in dust and heading for much-needed showers. Outside the mine, neighbors are seen protesting against the looming pit closures, showcasing the community’s struggle.

As the music fades, Gloria Mullins arrives at a boarding house known as The Lantern, carrying her flugelhorn case. The house lady, noticing her instrument, suggests that Gloria might want to check out the Grimley Colliery Band’s rehearsal hall, where her musical talents would surely be welcomed. Gloria has returned to her hometown to write a report for the British Coal Board regarding the Grimley mine’s future.

Meanwhile, in a conversation between Vera (Sue Johnston) and Ida (Mary Healey), concerns about their husbands, Jim (Philip Jackson) and Ernie (Peter Martin), possibly leaving the band arise if the mine indeed shuts down. As Jim and Ernie make their way to band practice, they reluctantly decide to inform Danny (Pete Postlethwaite), the band’s director, that financial strains compel them to withdraw from the band.

At rehearsal, Danny’s son Phil (Stephen Tompkinson), burdened by debt and facing pressure from his wife Sandra (Melanie Hill) to accept redundancy, shows up and is let down by the band’s performance. During this moment, Gloria walks in, hoping to join them. Though initially met with skepticism, her connection to Grimley earns her a spot in their practice. She sits next to Andy (Ewan McGregor), an old acquaintance she doesn’t immediately recognize. Gloria’s flugelhorn is a cherished heirloom from her grandfather, and they quickly delve into rehearsing Rodrigo’s Concerto Aranjuez, leaving the band impressed with her abilities.

With Gloria’s presence, enthusiasm begins to return. The band members find a renewed sense of purpose and decide to partake in fourteen contests across various villages. However, heavy dark clouds loom over their spirits; Danny soon reveals signs of pneumoconiosis, a grim reality of their profession.

At a union meeting, Phil shares his frustrations about his past with the striking miners and their current predicament, torn between accepting redundancy or pursuing the union’s recommendation for a review to potentially save the mine. As the band travels from one competition to another, the sense of hope fluctuates—their performances gradually decline amidst personal struggles.

As tensions rise, Andy confronts Gloria about her job with management, expressing skepticism about her intentions. Their relationship becomes strained despite brief moments of reconciliation. Meanwhile, Phil’s struggles intensify as he tries to manage his family’s needs while pursuing his passion for music, even resorting to performing as Mr. Chuckles at children’s parties, only to face public humiliation and despair.

In a darkly humorous yet tragic twist, Phil attempts to take his own life. However, the intervention of Danny and the other band members highlights the bonds that hold them together. In a crucial moment, Gloria shows her dedication by volunteering to fund the trip to the National Finals, reigniting the band’s ambitions.

As they finally embark for London, emotional stakes soar, leading to a dramatic performance of the William Tell Overture. Danny, having departed the hospital against orders, surprises everyone with his presence, culminating in a heart-wrenching moment where he refuses the trophy, opting instead to voice their plight against government negligence that has devastated their community.

In a triumphant yet poignant conclusion, the band parades through London, celebrating their shared spirit and camaraderie. Gloria and Andy find deeper connections amid the festivities, leading to an impactful kiss that signifies hope. As they play Pomp and Circumstance during their celebratory ride, the entire village unites, echoing their resilience against adversity as the credits roll.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Brassed Off

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Brassed Off. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


UK Trailer

Miramax Trailer

Cars Featured in Brassed Off

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Explore all cars featured in Brassed Off, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


AEC

Routemaster

Alfa

1987

Romeo 33

Austin

1984

Montego

Bedford

1975

YRT

Bristol

1953

404

Bristol

1967

MW

Citroën

1988

C15

Citroën

1995

XM

Fiat

1983

Uno

Ford

1993

Escort MkV

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


reference to margaret thatchermale nuditymale rear nudityman in a showerrear nudityscab the labor strike breakerdouble decker buschildboarding housesingerband rehearsalbare chested manband the musical groupdebtpneumoconiosisvillageplaying poolrehearsalpawn shopyear 1992british governmentwhistlingpovertyrefusing a trophyband conductorduescoal mine pit closurekey ringex boyfriend ex girlfriend relationshipensemble castself respectfuneral wreathfictional towntrophybritish parliamentgrandfather granddaughter relationshipsingingcoffeereference to year 1984songdirector writerrepossessing a tv sethopecollieryminerbrass bandcompetitionyorkshire englandbandleadercoal mine

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