Review of Pride (2014) by Warwick B — 25 Sep 2014

Set in 1984-85, Pride tells the true story of an unlikely alliance between a group of London gay right activists and one village of striking Welsh miners during the torturous strike of the 1980s.

It's the perfect recipe for a rousing British culture clash comedy with two disparate groups, worlds apart, united in a common cause. Uplifting and witty there is also a serious side to the film - AIDS, ignorance and prejudice, and the destruction of the coal industry and its communities. As well as the politics of the film, it is also about hope and solidarity, and serves as a good reminder how much we owe this generation of campaigners and protestors - the recent civil rights victories have their roots in the 80s activists who fought so hard even in the devastation of the "gay cancer".

This historical comedy drama is a heart warming, charming, funny crowd pleaser very much in the vain of Brassed Off, The Full Monty and Billy Elliot. With a familiar cast (Bill Nighy, Dominic West, Paddy Consideine and Imelda Staunton), great performances and broad appeal, it's a sure fire hit.