Pride (15)

Directed by Matthew Warchus
Starring Ben Schnetzer, George MacKay, Dominic West, Paddy Considine, Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Andrew Scott, Fay Marsay,

Very enjoyable feel good comedy/drama that tells the true story of how a gay and lesbian group supported striking miners in Wales during the 1984 miners strike. In the same vein as 'The Full Monty' and 'Brassed Off', but probably a bit more lightweight, the film benefits from an excellent cast including the unlikely sounding casting 'Bill Nighy as a Welsh miner.' Imelda Staunton, Dominic West, Andrew Scott and Paddy Considine give real heart and humour to the film. George MacKay pops up everywhere these days and is our eyes into the story, and Ben Schnetzer deserves a mention as the lively lead of the group, and a pretty good Northern Ireland accent.
The anti-gay prejudice is probably under-played for the time period, and the shadow of AIDs that was arguably a bigger fight than Thatcher vs the NUM, is only touched on right at the end. Instead, this is a funny and touching film that draws you in with its well drawn characters and a strong sense of those 1980s days. Great performances and an uplifting message.
September 2014