Bra Boys (2008)
57 %
Reviews Counted: 21 Fresh: 12 Rotten:9 Average Rating: 5.7/10
Consensus:
While it looks like shameless publicity for the semi-notorious Aussie surfing gang, the film packs a raw energy into this look at a culture of athleticism and male loyalty.
Runtime: 90 mins
Theatrical Release: Apr 11, 2008 Limited
Synopsis: Are Sydney's Bra Boys a violent gang or just a loyal bunch of surfers? This documentary narrated by Russell Crowe (AMERICAN GANGSTER) explores this underground culture from the inside courtesy of writer-director-producer Sunny Abberton. The filmmaker and his three brothers--Koby, Jai,... [More]
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Reviews
Lengthy coverage of a murder trial involving Jai and Koby supplies the odd moment of meaningful reflection, but the overall impression is that of an unconvincing PR exercise.
Comment
07/31/08
Top Critic Top Critic
It aspires to but falls short of Dogtown's inspired, edgy mix of sports history, pop culture, social commentary, and revealing interviews.
07/09/08
...there's an undeniable energy to this subjective, self-serving film which at times says more than it means to about this male-dominated culture.
07/04/08
A story of loyalty that men can relate to while their significant others see Sex and the City.
06/05/08
Thanks to the documentarian also making his family the film's subject, Bra Boys feels more than a little like a violence-glorifying infomercial.
05/30/08
Top Critic
Despite the undeniable sorrow you see expressed by all, your foot may start to tap and you may find yourself wishing you were on some beach yourself.
04/14/08
The film is narrated by Russell Crowe, whose star power is probably the only reason it's being released here.
04/11/08
Top Critic
This crude, rowdy movie is unexpectedly touching in its embrace of surfing as an escape from the stigma of poverty and broken homes.
04/11/08
Top Critic
Bra Boys is a carefully manicured PR video for the infamous Bra Boys surfer community.
04/10/08
Bra Boys is nevertheless intriguing for its insider’s perspective of an outsider culture steeped in tradition, male-bonding rituals, and intense localism.
04/10/08
These siblings display a loyalty to their mates and to one another that is rather touching in this age of superficial friendships and mercenary values.
04/10/08
For its fusion of social history and sensational athleticism, Bra Boys shapes up as one of the best nonfiction films of the year thus far, and is eminently worth seeing.
04/09/08
Top Critic
"Bra Boys" exposes a specific slice of rebellious Australian surfing culture hardboiled from the senseless violence visited upon them by authorities and rival gangs alike. Maroubra means, "place of thunder." Upon seeing this gripping movie, you'll know wh
04/08/08
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