Pride (UK)

Set in 1980s, this film talks about 2 of the most unlikeliest of groups coming together to support each other. A loveable, warm and witty film. I, will admit that I had no clue about this aspect of history. The film is based on the true story of pioneering gay campaigners in London who supported the strikers with the "Pits and Perverts" benefit concerts - and in so doing had to overcome tribal suspicions among both London's gays and the miners of south Wales.

Mark is a young gay campaigner who decides to break out of gay politics and support the miners. Mark and his friends raise some cash and finds a sympathetic Welsh mining leader to accept it. The irony is that the miners are generally speaking the most homophobic group that they could ever hope to find, so the union wants nothing to do with them or their money. When Mark and his friends visit the village, as expect they face hatred some some and love from others but slowly they manage to turn things around and slowly everyone starts liking them, well mostly everyone. The rest of the film shows us how this group of lesbian and gays form LGSM group, win everyone’s love, some people’s hatred and try an move on. We also witness some of the individual stories and their coming out stories interlaced with poignant love and affection from miners families especially the women. The ending where the miners show up their support for the gays is just the perfect ending and mad me choke a little with emotions.

Every single character in this film goes an exceptional performance. the LGSM group or the miners, everyone just fits ad the fact that film is light hearted with comedy tones makes it so much more easier and pleasant to watch. The director very expertly juggles a large number of characters and story elements without making it confusing. We have the gay man who reconnects with his estranged family; the onset of AIDS; the self-actualization of a modest miner’s wife. You cannot not be moved by this film. The takeaway message of “Pride” is that meeting someone of a different race, gender, orientation or status is a lot more informative, honest and enriching than experiencing them from what media tells you. Therein so much that I am feeling inside but can’t find the right words that can describe how good I am feeling after watching this film

This is a must see movie that will show how hate can harm and will also reinforce your faith in humanity. (9/10)