One of the most entertaining and heartfelt British crowd-pleasers in years, Pride takes place in 1984 and follows the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners group as they attempt to help out the miners during their tussle with British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Director Matthew Warchus manages to tell his story in an effervescent style without ever being obnoxious or overtly appearing to stand on a soap-box: the movie may at its heart be about the social issues facing the miners and gays of the time, but above all else, it's a deeply humanist drama about basic respect for your fellow man. The tonal balance here is sublime: the film touches on the unfortunate prejudices and difficulties of the time, but also isn't above cracking wise and throwing in some exuberant (not to mention hilariously camp) dance numbers. Furthermore, it refuses to paint even the "villains" as one-note moustache-twirlers, and the performances across the road (but especially from Bill Nighy, Dominic West and Paddy Considine) are superb. At one point last year, some thought Pride might even end up in Best Picture contention at the Oscars, and had it been, it would have surprised few who saw it.
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
