[FILM REVIEW] RED, WHITE & BRASS Review (2023)
Summary: When Maka and Veni fail in getting tickets for the most important game of their lives, they decide to form a traditional Tongan marching band, just so they can go to the game. No one in their band of misfits knows anything about marching and they practice using plastic bottles and tin cans for instruments. It is a complete shambles and if they can’t get their act together, they will embarrass their entire Tongan community in front of the world. However, what starts out as just a cynical scam to see a rugby game becomes a journey of self-discovery in which Maka and Veni will learn the importance of their Tongan culture.
Year: 2023
Cinema Release Dates: 22nd June 2023 (Australia), TBA (Thailand), TBA (UK, TBA (USA)
VOD Release Dates: TBA
Country: New Zealand
Director: Damon Fepulea’i
Screenwriter: Halaifonua Finau, Damon Fepulea’i
Cast: John Campbell (John Campbell), Suzy Cato (Liz), Haanz Fa’avae-Jackson (Terrence), Andy Faiaoga (Aleki), Mikey Falesiu (Samisoni), Lupeti Finau (Uncle Siale), Tevita Finau (Rev Pita), Valeti Finau (Elisivia), John-Paul Foliaki (Maka), Ilaisaane Green (Irene), Onetoto Ikavuka (Rob), Nathaniel Lees (Rev Hansell), Meki Manava (Mr. Semisi), Hariata Moriarty (Aroha), Karen O’Leary (Lorraine), Lotima Pome’e (Laki), Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi (Veni), George Ta’eiloa (Big Lolo)
Running Time: 85 mins
Classification: PG (Australia), TBC (Thailand), TBC (UK), TBC (USA)
OUR RED, WHITE & BRASS REVIEWS
Dave Griffiths’ Red, White & Brass Review
David’s rating Out Of 5
Alex First’s Red, White & Brass Review
A small, feel-good movie, Red, White & Brass was inspired by events surrounding Tongan locals in New Zealand at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Like most Tongans in New Zealand, Maka (John-Paul Foliaki) is mighty excited that the World Cup is about to arrive on his doorstep.
Ticket sales are soon to open for the first match Tonga will play and Maka is out to ensure he and his mates will be there.
The problem is, they don’t have the money to pay for the tickets.
A fund-raising drive at the local church they are invested in goes skewwhiff … and the game is quickly a sell-out.
Still, inspired by what he sees on TV, the ever-enterprising Maka has a Eureka moment.
He realises if they form a brass band, he and his buddies can be part of the pre-match entertainment and stay on to see the match.
The only issue – and a major stumbling block – is they have no talent.
Enter a newcomer from Tonga with experience in brass bands to teach them.
Still, let’s just say that takes some doing.
Once they are on the right path, Maka decides to add some flair to their performance, causing yet more issues.
Along the way, Maka manages to disappoint his parents, his team-mates and his church.
The question is, can he salvage something from the wreckage?
There’s nothing fancy about what’s on show here, but it is still homely and heart-warming.
It features a straightforward script by Damon Fepulea’i, who also directs, and Halaifonua Finau.
John-Paul Foliaki plays up Maka’s annoying exuberance for all it’s worth.
Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi shows honourable restraint in realising Maka’s far more conservative best mate, Veni.
As Maka’s cousin Irene, Ilaisaane Greenconveys the frustration many in the band feel, but don’t vocalise.
Valeti Finau is pragmatic and warm-hearted as Maka’s “call it like it is” mother.
Good natured fun is the name of the game in Red, White & Brass and that is delivered in spades. The finest moments are at opposite ends of the spectrum – showcasing a lack of skills and highlighting competence and pride.
Alex’s rating Out Of 5
Average Subculture rating Out Of 5
Other Red, White & Brass Reviews:
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Trailer: