Bra Boys breaks local box-office record

March 16, 2007

The Bra Boys movie has broken local box office records,grossing $90,000 on its first day and becoming Australia's high-grossing release of a local documentary-style feature film.

Yesterday's figure is expected to reach more than $600,000 by Sunday, a huge feat considering the film was only distributed to 47outlets around Australia.

Plans are underway to distribute the 90 minute film, narrated by Oscar winner Russell Crowe, to 23 more cinemas by next week.

Bra Boys centres around the turbulent and troubled lives of professional surfers and brothers, Sunny, Koby and Jai Abberton, who all hail from the Sydney beachside suburb of Maroubra and are part of notorious local gang the Bra Boys.

The fascinating tale of the Abbertons, two of whom faced charges linked to murder while filming, also shows bloody footage of street brawls and showcases the boys' quest to find Australia's biggest wave.

''It's wonderful that the public has embraced a homegrown story about an Australia way of life,'' said managing director of film distributor Hopscotch Troy Lum.

''It has no Hollywood stars or special effects, but judging by the cheers in cinemas, the film is an exciting ride.''

Bra Boys secured the No.3 position on the national boxoffice opening charts, just behind biker flick Wild Hogsstarring John Travolta, and British police comedy HotFuzz.