Name: Red, White & Brass
Genre: Comedy, Family
Released: 2023-03-23T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: John Paul Foliaki, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, Ilaisaane Green, Onetoto Ikavuka, Michael Falesiu

The moment Maka (John-Paul Foliaki), our Tongan superfan protagonist, attempts to incorporate hip-hop moves into a traditional brass band performance, you know exactly what kind of chaotic charm “Red, White & Brass” has in store. Directed by Damon Fepulea’i, this 2023 New Zealand comedy is a heartwarming, if uneven, retelling of a true story about community, pride, and the lengths fans will go to for their team.

The film centers around Maka’s desperate quest to attend the Tonga v France Rugby World Cup game. His plan to form a brass band in just four weeks is absurd on its face, but Foliaki sells it with infectious enthusiasm. The early scenes of Maka rallying his community are genuinely touching, as he brings together family members, churchgoers, and even a skeptical music teacher to create something from nothing. Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi shines as Veni, Maka’s more reserved cousin whose arc from skepticism to support is one of the film’s emotional anchors.

Where “Red, White & Brass” excels is in its celebration of Tongan culture and community spirit. The soundtrack is a standout, blending traditional and modern sounds that mirror the film’s thematic blend. The moment the brass band finally comes together for an impromptu performance—costumes, instruments, and all—is electric, showcasing the film’s strengths in both comedy and heart.

However, the film isn’t without its missteps. The pacing stumbles occasionally, particularly during the middle act where the band’s rehearsals feel repetitive. While Foliaki’s performance is engaging, some of the supporting characters, like the local criminal or the church elders, could have used more nuance to avoid feeling like one-dimensional obstacles. Additionally, the film’s reliance on social media as a plot device feels dated and underdeveloped.

The climax at the rugby match is a satisfying payoff, though it leans heavily into sentimentality. The post-credit blurb revealing Tonga’s victory adds a nice touch of authenticity, but it doesn’t entirely make up for some of the film’s earlier pacing issues.

“Red, White & Brass” is a wholesome family comedy that hits more notes right than wrong.

Tags: comedies, Damon Fepulea'i, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, Ilaisaane Green, John Paul Foliaki, Red, White & Brass