Red, White and Brass

Recently, I had the opportunity to watch the captivating and entertaining movie at the cinema, and it proved to be a truly entertaining and heartwarming experience. The movie tells a relatable story that brought me back to my own upbringing as a Pacific Islander in a European country, a narrative that resonated deeply with my personal experiences.

One of the most striking aspects is the humorous and positive attitude that Pacific Islanders possess. This shared sense of humor and optimism is a key component of our culture, and the movie does an excellent job of highlighting how these qualities help us to overcome adversity.

I came across this film on a flight from Manchester to Addis the other day.

It made an onerous, exhausting flight asheer delight.

I was totally immersed in the characters, story and utterly beguiled by the setting. Furthermore, as a previous reviewer commented, devoid of nudity, profanity and gratuitous violence, it's a must for all the family

The manner in which the film depicts the Tongan diaspora was both enlightening and uplifting Living in the global north it provided an open wimdow to another world.

Add the music, the moves, the irrepressible Island humour and you got a winner! Highly recommended.

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.

A good clean movie with many locals in roles in the band and in the organisation of the same, the film is one of those heart-warmers that does not offend and has some top humour on display.

No sex, nudity or profanity spoils this film which is the opening match of the 2011 Rugby World Cup between Tonga and France.

If you or your family are rugby fans - and love a laugh - this one is for you.

Interestingly, the REAL band that pulled off the stunt off; of essentially conning the World Cup organisers to allow a "professed Tongan brass band" of absolute amateurs to entertain the rugby-mad spectators in exchange for seats at the game can be seen on Youtube after a search.

Great stuff.

Just streamed this on Apple and it was such a pleasure. NZ is home to a multicultural melting pot including wonderful communities such as the Tongans. It's great to see such a film that celebrates their individuality and culture.

Lovely to see my hometown Poneke on a good day, and makes such a glorious backdrop to a proudly local production.

If you want to learn more about Kiwi diversity and how the kingdom of Tonga are proud members of our Pasfika culture and also demonstrates their passion for rugby, win, lose or draw.

Lovely cameos from Suzy Cato and Karen O'Leary, makes everyone's hearts sing but particularly the brass band!