Film review: Pride

So just the other week before I left for my big move to Aberdeen I went to the cinema with my best friend to see the movie "Pride". Alright, so I know that this review is a little late but I just had to let you all know about this beautiful gem of a movie. If there is something I love, well that is British films. Usually they are always spectacular with an extremely moving and heartwarming story and after seeing "Pride", I can tell you that this film is without a doubt one of the best and most moving British films that has been made for years.

Directed by theater director Matthew Warchus "Pride" tells the true story of a group of Gay and Lesbian activists called LGSM who offer their support and form an unlikely alliance with the Welsh Miners, after their strike in the 80's which was prolonged by Margaret Thatcher's rigid policies. At the start of the film we are introduced to two different characters, Mark Ashton (Played brilliantly by Ben
Schnetzer) who is a confident Northern Irish social Activist and Joe (The rising star George Mackay) who is a shy closeted kid who is headed out to the gay march without his parent's knowledge. It is during this scene that Mark finds the parallels between his cause and the striking miners, so him and Joe along with Mark's friend Mike band together a small group. Outspoken Steph, Jeff, bookshop owner Gethin and his long term partner Jonathan set up a group called LGSM - Lesbians and Gay's support the miners to raise money for the starving families. Unfortunately despite their efforts the union rejects their support and the group are forced to directly contact a small community within Wales and the miners leader Dai. Initially they are met with suspicion and prejudice but they win over a certain few, notably Sian James (who is played superbly by Jessica Gunning) and a few others (Imelda Staunton and Bill Nighy). Over time they begin to win over the miners who come to realise the similarities between them and the group, that LGBT rights are also human rights and one of the most unlikely yet successful alliances is forged within Britain. 

"Pride" boasts an absolute stellar ensemble cast with rising stars and also a few big names such as Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton and also Andrew Scott. The cast work brilliantly with one another and unlike other films, there is not just one breakout star as the whole cast absolutely shine in their roles. Ben Schnetzer is effortless as the charismatic leader of the LGSM group and I have to mention that Andrew Scott is brilliant as the soft Gethin who has not been home to Wales after he was forced to leave home when he came out as gay to his religious mother. Scott's role maybe minor however it was one of the highlights of the film as the actor got to deal with a lot more of the emotional complexities within the film. Later during the film he goes back to Wales with the LGSM group is encouraged by Hefina (Imelda Staunton) to return home and visit his mother. 

Despite the heavy subject matter of the film, "Pride" is not gloomy and is in fact a heartwarming and uplifting film that is also enormously fun. It's a story of hope and courage that will make you laugh, cry and also smile and that is what makes "Pride" an extremely rare film. It packs real emotion that you can feel and unlike quite a few brit flicks it doesn't follow down the "cheesey" route and moves along at a fierce pace with vivid performances from each cast member who you can feel a sort of empathy towards.

So to finish of my review, I do realise that I seem to have extremely hyped this film up to be brilliant and that's because I truly believe it is one of the finest films to have been made this year. Actually if I have to be honest with you, I have always been a massive lover of British films and "Pride" is probably one of the best British films to have been made in years, thanks to the heart - warming and feel good story as well as brilliant performances. I guess in many ways the story of "Pride" teaches us that if something means a lot to you then you should always fight for what you believe in, no matter the circumstance and this is what makes it a truly inspiring story. It's strengths do not just lie in the humour but the successful aspirations of being the underdog as well as the decency of humanity starting to shine through a most unlikely but brilliant alliance between the LGSM group and the miners.

All I have to say is please see "Pride" while it is still in the cinemas. It is a film, that in my opinion, deserves to be seen by everyone.

Rating: 10/10 

Peace and love, Rachelcouture xoxo

Weekend Adventures: American Hustle, wine, Food & friends

So after a very hectic week at college, finishing up design projects and officially passing Semester 1! I was so happy when the weekend came so I could relax for the first time in a few months before all the work starts back up again. With all this work out of the way for the moment I decided that it was a good time for me and my best friend to have a catch up over some dinner and a movie, It's like a ritual for the two of us to always go and see the latest film and grab something to eat and as both of us are massive film lovers we don't really complain!.

So first of all we headed out to our favorite local haunt, Sumo. It's a fantastic small Japanese restaurant and I am always going for the chicken yaki - tori as my starter and the Chicken Teryaki dish as my main meal.

So the film of the week that we decided on this time was "American Hustle" and I was extremely excited to finally see it!. I had been looking forward to this film since it first came out and despite all the rave reviews from critics, I had heard from a few friends that it wasn't as good as they had expected so I was a little nervous. Not that I ever listen to other people's opinions anyway which is probably the best thing to do seeing as I thoroughly enjoyed the film. Quite frankly it was spectacular, I mean a film set in the 70's with fantastic costume design, music, con men, Scandals and Jeremy Renner means something brilliant in my book. Not too mention that every single cast member was on fine form, especially Jennifer Lawrence who seems to be on fire this past year and in my opinion a stellar performance from Bradley Cooper who seems to keep getting better and better every time I see him on screen at the moment. 

I am also going to acknowledge Jeremy Renner, who played one of the most interesting characters who was the heart and soul of the film, in my opinion, but the truth is Jeremy Renner is such a versatile and talented actor that he always ends up the standout in every film he does, take a look back at the 2010 film "The town", Renner may not have been the lead but he gave the best performance in the whole film and I always get this feeling that even when he gets nominated every awards ceremony overlooks him and I feel exactly the same with his performance in American Hustle, I think that he should be given some recognition for his performance as Mayor Carmine Polito. 

So all in all It has been a good weekend for me to unwind and spend some quality time for myself and friends. And Of course I believe that everyone should go see American Hustle and give their opinion on the film. I was thoroughly impressed with the film and can't fault it. One another plus note I shall be on my way to see the Wolf of Wall street next week as well 12 years a slave, I am little excited I must admit.