Review of Pride (2014) by Jessica T — 02 Jan 2015

Set in mid-80s London and Wales, Pride is the story of a somewhat crazy band of gay activists who begin raising funds for the striking miners out of a conviction that they were enemies of a common enemy, namely Margaret Thatcher and the harsh Tory state.

Even in context of the emergence of the AIDS epidemic, this gaggle of idealists believe that they can make a difference in their own struggle and the progress of humanity by linking arms with those engaged in the pivotal class struggle of their time.

I was working for the AFL-CIO at this precise time, and know that the result -- unions joining the struggle for human rights -- was directly inspired by what happened in this story. So yes, one person can make a difference.

As a film, this one follows a long line of 'heart-warming' comedy/dramas that have come from the decline of Britain's working-class, such as the Full Monty, Kinky Boots, Billy Elliot, Calendar Girls, and many others.

There are lovely set-pieces (Dominic West as a flaming disco queen, the girls in London discovering dildos and porn), and some genuinely affecting emotional moments.