It's so refreshing when filmmakers keep it simple.
No Superheroes, No CGI, No Battle Scenes, No MacGuffins, just a simple story, well told.
In fact, "Red, White & Brass" is based on a true story.
Set during the 7th Rugby World Cup in 2011 in Wellington, New Zealand.
A 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.
It 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 couldn't scramble enough cash together with setback after setback.
In 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 "Maka".
Meanwhile "Panthers" star Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi is Veni" and along with their buddies their buddies form a Brass Marching Band to gain free entry to the hallowed game.
Only one problem, none of them can March, let alone play or own a musical instrument.
Not 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.
I 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).
This combined to make the movie a joyous experience both on and off the screen after a long day in my Recording Studio.
The closest I've gotten to this experience was playing in a Boy's Brigade Brass Band in Sydney during my teens and ironically in the real life story this movie is based on they
borrowed instruments from the Tawa Boys' Brigade, and used a Tongan in town on a music scholarship to teach them absolute basics in just a couple of months.
The motivation of free World Cup Rugby tickets is a powerful thing.
"Red, White and Brass" refers to the colours in the Tongan National Flag and the brass of course are the instruments.
This comedy with heart delves into the cultural identity of Tonga, its people, pride and fierce attitude to never give up, never surrender.
Together they pool their limited resources to reach their end goal.
Something that inspired their nations Union team when they defeated France in this competition.
Watch out for: Ilaisaane Green as "Irene" who has a beautiful chemistry with the boys in the band.
The passion and love for their country comes through in this unique movie about New Zealand's most popular sport.
Dining in at Redbank you must try the Steak Sandwich and Chips at the cinemas cafe, it's delicious.
Halaifonua (Nua) Finau co-wrote and produced the movie based on his own experiences.
When "Red, White and Brass" wrapped I wanted to give it a standing ovation...it's a tribute to all those involved.
"Red, White and Brass" was made by Piki Films ("Jojo Rabbit" & "Hunt for the Wilderpeople").
It's fun, full of high-stepping and high jinks, brimful with what Tongans call mafana - passion, enthusiasm, go with your heart.
