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Red, White & Brass

Name: Red, White & Brass
Director: Damon Fepulea'i
Released: 2023
Duration: 85 min

Representation Score

5.7/10

Fair

2023

Director

Damon Fepulea'i

Runtime

85 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Red, White & Brass succeeds in moving away from the typical Anglo-centric focus of sports comedies. By centering a Tongan protagonist and a true story rooted in Pasifika life, the film offers a unique and intentional look at Pacific Island cultural identity. While the film excels in ethnic and cultural representation, it remains neutral regarding other diversity metrics. The narrative prioritizes communal and familial themes over queer-coded stories or the subversion of traditional gender roles. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its ability to provide a platform for specific cultural markers like Tongan rugby traditions and community-driven goals.

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Category Breakdown

Does Red, White & Brass have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The story focuses primarily on rugby culture and community building. There are no explicit LGBTQ+ characters or queer-coded plotlines.

How does Red, White & Brass portray gender?

Fair

Maka's strong individual ability to act and drive are central to the story. However, the film does not clearly subvert traditional gender hierarchies or depict non-traditional masculinity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Red, White & Brass?

Excellent

The film centers a Tongan protagonist and disrupts Anglo-centric sports comedy norms with an authentic Pasifika perspective.

How does Red, White & Brass represent religion and culture?

Good

The plot celebrates communal identity and Pacific Island cultural experiences. It highlights indigenous pride through Tongan rugby fandom and brass band traditions.

Does Red, White & Brass include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities mentioned in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Emphasizes Pasifika ability to act and authentic Tongan cultural identity.
Moves away from traditional, homogeneous casting norms in sports comedies.
Celebrates communal identity and indigenous pride through community-based goals.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight-centered plotlines.
Does not provide evidence of subverting traditional gender hierarchies or masculinity.
Does not feature characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Maka, a Tongan superfan, will do whatever it takes to get tickets to the Tonga v France Rugby World Cup game - even if that means promising to deliver a brass band for the pre-match entertainment. Only problem is, the band doesn't exist and Maka has four weeks to make one. Inspired by a true story.

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