Pride

 

Every once in a while a trailer comes a long and you can tell straight away that the film is going to be one of the best films of the year.  I went to see Pride without any of my usual scepticism.

It did not disappoint.

PLOT:  Set in 1984 during the miners' strike a group of friends set up a support group to raise funds for the struggling families.  Despite their good intentions the GLSM (Gays and Lesbians Support the Miners) must convince the residents of a small Welsh mining village to accept their support and unite against the British Government.  END PLOT

I never do this in my reviews but here is a link to the trailer which deserves to be watched and enjoyed just as much as the film.

Pride is based on true events and although the events help to restore faith in the human race the reason why Pride is such a strong film is due to the characters and castings.

Paddy Considine, Imelda Staunton and the always essential Bill Nighy are on top form and ably supported by the younger cast members including George MacKay, Ben Schnetzer, Joseph Gilgun and Faye Marsay.  I wasn’t quite sure what to make of Dominic West’s character but I warmed to him very quickly – who wouldn’t be turned around by an impromptu disco solo in a working man’s club?

The award for the absolute standout performance must go to Andrew Scott, an actor I only ever refer to as Moriarty.  Until now.  Scott’s Gethin was the only Welsh member of GLSM and his story arc was one of the most emotionally engaging in the entire film.  Poor Gethin was also the butt of one of the funniest jokes but Scott’s painfully shy performance made it so.

There is a healthy mix of drama and humour and as friendships begin to blossom you fall in love with the characters even more.  It is rare to get goosebumps during a film but it happened during the “Bread and Roses” moment.  I strained numerous muscles trying to hold back tears. 

Pride is the ultimate feel good film as it is told with heart and in such a grounded way that everything feels natural – the friendships are genuine and not forced.  It quickly stops being a film about the gay or mining communities and becomes a story of friends helping one another in a time of crisis.  The closing section at the 1985 Gay Pride March in London has jumped straight into my list of top movie moments. 

Pride is one of the easiest films I have ever had to score.  It gets 10/10.  Expect to see it high up my list of memorable films for 2014.  It is British filmmaking at its finest and is a film that deserves to be seen.