When we elect people to power, they usually promise some sort of change that their constituents like, but given the nature of democracy, some places might like certain changes while others bear the brunt of the shaft. Brassed Out is specifically based on the privitization of British Coal in the 90s, so the context can be lost for younger viewers outside the nation. But it’s this specificity that grounds the film, as writer-director Mark Herman clearly lays down the real life stakes these coal miners had to face– the loss of livelihood, purpose, and community. Of course, this makes the film full of anger, making its slang title quite fitting. Sometimes, this pushes certain moments to clunky exposition. However, Brassed Out directs that stirring emotion for the common good, reminding us about the real people that faced these sweeping changes.

The music, of course. For some viewers, this would be their first introduction to many of the instruments that the band plays, but the classic selection, along with the addition of composer Trevor Jones’ beautiful score, are played wonderfully by the very same real life band it references.