I went to see Bra Boys at the cinema yesterday, and not knowing much about the gang, I wasn't too sure what to expect from the film that has become the highest grossing non-IMAX documentary since it's release on the 15th March. Of course, I was familiar with the two high-profile court cases the Abberton brothers were involved in, in recent years, and of the gang's fist-fighting self-imposed "ownership" of the beach, but what I discovered, was the real hardship the four brothers at the centre of the story - Sunny, Jai, Koby and Dakota - have endured. It's no wonder they see the Bra Boys as their real family. Growing up in a housing commission flat with a heroin-addicted mother is not going to do any kid any favours. And while they may not be the sharpest tools in the shed (Koby was kicked out of school in year eight and never returned), the centre of their story is a struggle to make a life for themselves - and finding solace in the surf. And Koby in particular has done extremely well for himself, being paid to fly all over the world as a pro "big wave" surfer.
While the documentary (which was written and directed by oldest brother Sunny) paints an innocent picture of the gang, police have warned against the audience taking the side of the Bra Boys. The truth is, there are some pretty nasty characters in the gang, including drug dealers, criminals and down-right thugs. But what I took from the film, was that mostly, these boys are a product of a poor upbringing, surrounded by a world of drugs and fighting. They have found security in being "locals" and sharing a common love - the beach.
It will be interesting to see what stance the feature film (starring Colin Farrel) will take.
If you've seen Bra Boys I'd love to hear what you thought of it...
Notes on Glossy Paper
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