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
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
