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Bra Boys - Jai Abberton, Koby Abberton, Sunny Abberton, Sunny Abberton

Threat advisory: High - High risk of entertaining activities

Movie propaganda

Blood is thicker than water.

The Bra Boys are one of the most notorious surf tribes in the world. Hailing from the drug inflicted and poverty ridden housing commissions of Maroubra beach in Sydney's south, this tribe has produced some of the world's most renowned big wave surfers. In an attempt to escape their tragic upbringing, many have found redemption in the ocean and family amongst the tribe brotherhood, whose motto is "My brother's keeper".

Nothing has or ever will tear them apart - this is the story of The Bra Boys told from the inside. A story of love, brotherhood and honour literally from the Place of Thunder - Maroubra.

The Abberton brothers are the unofficial leaders of the Bra Boys, and years ago, eldest brother, Sunny Abberton began researching the history of Maroubra and past surf tribes and documenting the life of the Bra Boys and the lives of himself and his brothers, Jai and Koby. This intimate footage of the Abberton brothers, takes a moving and candid view behind the scenes, where they talk about their lost childhood growing up among violence and drug abuse and the ray of hope and a lucrative future that surfing provided them.

The film, partly shot by cinematographer and Bra Boy, Macario de Souza never shies away from the violence that surrounds, portraying their running battle with local police, wars with rival gangs and the murder trial that threatened to tear the Bra Boys and the Abberton brothers apart.

This tragic murder trial in which Jai and Koby were embroiled, became one of the most talked about in recent Australian history and put the Bra Boys centre stage.

During the Cronulla race riots in 2005, it was the Bra Boys who stepped in to ease the racial tensions, this time hitting the headlines because of their cultural sensitivity and diplomatic skills.

Bra Boys shoots straight to the heart and takes no prisoners. With the freshness and energy of a Dogtown and Z-boys, incredible surf footage and a lifetime of intimate footage, Bra Boys is certain to become a modern Aussie classic.

Theatrical propaganda posters

Bra Boys theatrical one sheet image

Target demographic movie keyword propaganda

  • Film Australia documentary surf Maroubra Sydney beach Abberton riot gang police crime violence race

Persons of interest

  • Jai Abberton .... Himself
  • Koby Abberton .... Himself
  • Sunny Abberton .... Himself
  • Kelly Slater .... Himself
  • Russell Crowe .... Narrator
  • Sunny Abberton .... Director

Cinematic intelligence sources

Intelligence analyst

Special Agent Matti

Theatrical report

Well, I'm not the biggest surf fan as I have trouble standing on the carpet let alone a slippery fibreglass plank while being harassed by a large mountain of mobile salt water. Despite this setback, Bra Boys hit me like a surprise dumper.

As a surf movie there are some awesome waves. I can't believe the way these dude rip into them. (Not that I wouldn't do the same if I could.)

As a social documentary there are some real challenges for government and society to clean up their messes. Drugs, homelessness, child abuse, street violence and crime don't stop because someone gets locked in a jail. There is a lot more work to be done outside the gaol.

As a shoot-from-the-hip film there are some annoying focus issues but the rawness of the content makes up for it.

Bra Boys is an excellent piece of Australian history that should be compared and contrasted with Ten canoes in schools throughout the country.

The Australia, documentary movie Bra Boys is directed by Sunny Abberton and stars Jai Abberton, Koby Abberton, Sunny Abberton.

Media intelligence (DVD)

  • Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
  • Languages: English
  • Picture: Widescreen 16:9
  • Special features:
    • Documentaries:
      • Battle of the beach
      • Bra Boys première
      • Making of Bra Boys
      • Surfing footage
      • Training tips
      • Who are 3Seven7?
    • Music videos

Government security censorship classification

M (Actual violence, moderate coarse language and themes)

Surveillance time

85 minutes (1:25 hours)

Not for public release in Australia before date

Film: 15 March 2007
DVD retail: 15 August 2007

Cinema surveillance images

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