Red, White & Brass (2023)

Red, White & Brass (2023). 1h 25m

“Itu0026#39;s so refreshing when filmmakers keep it simple.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eNo Superheroes, No CGI, No Battle Scenes, No MacGuffins, just a simple story, well told.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIn fact, u0026quot;Red, White u0026amp; Brassu0026quot; is based on a true story.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eSet during the 7th Rugby World Cup in 2011 in Wellington, New Zealand.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eA group of young Tongans are desperate to get tickets to the World Cup game between Tonga and France in the year New Zealand hosted the tournament.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIt was the largest sporting event ever held in New Zealand and tickets sold out fast creating a dilemma for the friends whose questionable Wesley Church fundraising schemes couldnu0026#39;t scramble enough cash together with setback after setback.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIn a brave move of confidence from the Producers the lead actor is a complete novice Tongan talent John-Paul Foliaki in his first proper role as an actor leading the baton twirling and dancing as u0026quot;Makau0026quot;.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eMeanwhile u0026quot;Panthersu0026quot; star Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi is Veniu0026quot; and along with their buddies their buddies form a Brass Marching Band to gain free entry to the hallowed game.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOnly one problem, none of them can March, let alone play or own a musical instrument.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eNot that they let a little hurdle like this crush their dreams of seeing the game live and represent their once great nation that ruled the Pacific Islands.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eI watched this movie at Cineplex Redbank surrounded by both Tongan and Samoans who thoroughly enjoyed the movie, even singing along with traditional songs and laughing at the native tongue spoken on screen occasionally in their own language (subtitles provided for us middle aged white guys).u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis combined to make the movie a joyous experience both on and off the screen after a long day in my Recording Studio.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe closest Iu0026#39;ve gotten to this experience was playing in a Boyu0026#39;s Brigade Brass Band in Sydney during my teens and ironically in the real life story this movie is based on theynborrowed instruments from the Tawa Boysu0026#39; Brigade, and used a Tongan in town on a music scholarship to teach them absolute basics in just a couple of months.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe motivation of free World Cup Rugby tickets is a powerful thing.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eu0026quot;Red, White and Brassu0026quot; refers to the colours in the Tongan National Flag and the brass of course are the instruments.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis comedy with heart delves into the cultural identity of Tonga, its people, pride and fierce attitude to never give up, never surrender.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eTogether they pool their limited resources to reach their end goal.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eSomething that inspired their nations Union team when they defeated France in this competition.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWatch out for: Ilaisaane Green as u0026quot;Ireneu0026quot; who has a beautiful chemistry with the boys in the band.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe passion and love for their country comes through in this unique movie about New Zealandu0026#39;s most popular sport.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eDining in at Redbank you must try the Steak Sandwich and Chips at the cinemas cafe, itu0026#39;s delicious.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eHalaifonua (Nua) Finau co-wrote and produced the movie based on his own experiences.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWhen u0026quot;Red, White and Brassu0026quot; wrapped I wanted to give it a standing ovation…itu0026#39;s a tribute to all those involved.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eu0026quot;Red, White and Brassu0026quot; was made by Piki Films (u0026quot;Jojo Rabbitu0026quot; u0026amp; u0026quot;Hunt for the Wilderpeopleu0026quot;).u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eItu0026#39;s fun, full of high-stepping and high jinks, brimful with what Tongans call mafana – passion, enthusiasm, go with your heart.”