Pride

I'm really fussy when it comes to movies and because of this I don't go to the cinema that often, but this year I've seen a pretty great collection of films, the latest of which was definitely my second favourite (after 'Sunshine on Leith'). 'Pride' was an excellent movie that made me laugh, cry and is just a feel-good film; I left the cinema feeling that little bit better because the story (which is actually based on a true story) is so incredible.

Set in 1984 Britain, when the miners' strikes were occurring, a group of homosexuals begin raising money to help the miners and their families, creating the LGSM (Lesbian and Gays' Support the Miners), which forms an unlikely alliance between these two groups of people. It is such a beautiful story and quite heartbreaking how the LGSM are treated because of their lifestyle choices and it is because of this that the 'National Union of Mineworkers' didn't want to accept their support, but the group decide to choose a Welsh miner's village, Onllwyn, where their donations were going to directly. Despite prejudice and homophobia from a number of the villagers, this alliance grew to a sturdy friendship and was a success making a massive difference for the people of Onllwyn.

LGSM

'Pride' was not only a feel-good film, but was also honest about the treatment of gays during those times and with the growing fear of AIDS, there is certainly important issues that are brought into focus.  Using the words from Geoffrey Macnab, that the script holds "broad comedy with subtle observation" which I agree with. The script is evidently written with such care and sensitivity, which makes the film so striking and really makes the audience feel. It is an all-star cast of such talented actors (coincidentally one of them, George MacKay- who played one of the very few fictional characters in the film- was in 'Sunshine on Leith') including Bill Nighy and Imelda Staunton, all of them portraying their characters, most of whom are based on the real people, who are really heroic and I'm really glad that their actions have been brought to the screen so they will be remembered.

I really recommend watching this fabulous movie, as the story is truly heart-warming.