Mark Herman's (1996) film is set in his native Yorkshire shortly after the reign of Margaret Thatcher (1983-1990).
Written by the director in a state of melodic social uproar, this film more than any other tells the inside story of a traditional, northern mining community in crisis.
As we join the impervious Danny (Pete Postlethwaite), whistling as hard as his failing lungs will allow, we begin to get the feeling that all is not quite well. Determined to convince himself that if only the band can win the annual brass band festival in London the community will remain intact, the audience begins to see the cards stacking up against him while at the same time being drawn into his hypnotic, romantic belief.
First the unlikely arrival of glamorous Gloria (Tara Fitzgerald) who is staying in only temporary accommodation. While pursuing her professional career.. she has kept up playing the Flugelhorn.. as an elegy to her late father.. another occupational casualty of the industry.
For a moment, she breaks the spell that Danny has woven over his son Phil (Stephen Tompkinson) and workmates Andy (Ewan McGregor), Harry (Jim Carter), Jim (Philip Jackson) and Ernie (Peter Martin). But the reason for her return is more sinister than even she realises.
In 1992, like many others, the pit is under threat of closure as the government progressively favours alternative sources of energy and even alternative sources of coal. The management are muddying the water by offering the workforce redundancy payments as the community closes ranks in a desperate effort to safeguard their way of life.
As the determined, covert machinations of government policy grind inexorably towards their unfeeling end.. every family in the 'Grimley' community is touched by the mounting tension. But the band plays on.
Supplemented by actual musicians from the Grimethorpe Colliery Band, and with sterling performances from Sue Johnson (Vera) and Mary Healey (Ida) many comic moments and situations punctuate the dark undercurrent that permeates the film.
In a triumphant finish that seals the future of the band at least, art and life confront one another at The Albert Hall, London where an brass band competition is held every year.
This is a heart-warming film and a fitting tribute the spirit of all the mining communities whose story is so intricately bound up in it.
Written by the director in a state of melodic social uproar, this film more than any other tells the inside story of a traditional, northern mining community in crisis.
As we join the impervious Danny (Pete Postlethwaite), whistling as hard as his failing lungs will allow, we begin to get the feeling that all is not quite well. Determined to convince himself that if only the band can win the annual brass band festival in London the community will remain intact, the audience begins to see the cards stacking up against him while at the same time being drawn into his hypnotic, romantic belief.
First the unlikely arrival of glamorous Gloria (Tara Fitzgerald) who is staying in only temporary accommodation. While pursuing her professional career.. she has kept up playing the Flugelhorn.. as an elegy to her late father.. another occupational casualty of the industry.
For a moment, she breaks the spell that Danny has woven over his son Phil (Stephen Tompkinson) and workmates Andy (Ewan McGregor), Harry (Jim Carter), Jim (Philip Jackson) and Ernie (Peter Martin). But the reason for her return is more sinister than even she realises.
In 1992, like many others, the pit is under threat of closure as the government progressively favours alternative sources of energy and even alternative sources of coal. The management are muddying the water by offering the workforce redundancy payments as the community closes ranks in a desperate effort to safeguard their way of life.
As the determined, covert machinations of government policy grind inexorably towards their unfeeling end.. every family in the 'Grimley' community is touched by the mounting tension. But the band plays on.
Supplemented by actual musicians from the Grimethorpe Colliery Band, and with sterling performances from Sue Johnson (Vera) and Mary Healey (Ida) many comic moments and situations punctuate the dark undercurrent that permeates the film.
In a triumphant finish that seals the future of the band at least, art and life confront one another at The Albert Hall, London where an brass band competition is held every year.
This is a heart-warming film and a fitting tribute the spirit of all the mining communities whose story is so intricately bound up in it.