Pride
Dir: Matthew Warchus
2014
****
Matthew Warchus' 2014 film Pride is based on the true story of the 1984 group LGSM (Lesbians and Gays support the Miners). It's not a story I was aware of which I think is quite shocking as the turn of events are hugely important in the politics of Great Britain. When Margret Thatcher closed the mines in the early 80s, whole communities lost their income and unions has their funds sequestered. A small group of Gay and Lesbian activists decided to support these communities as they saw them facing the same (but very different) problems, no less from the police and government. It was an act of civil support that was not only successful but changed the face of British politics, without many even knowing about it. Matthew Warchus has added fictitious elements to the story but these only emphasis the important areas of the story and show how hard it was to be Gay and/or a Minor at the time. The LGSM were eventually welcomed in the small mining town of Onllwyn and from there a seed of acceptance and friendship was born. After the mining strikes were called off, the miners unions showed their thanks and support for the group by marching with them in the 1985 Gay pride march in London. Soon after, the Labour party passed a bill for LGBT rights, thanks to the block voting of the miner's unions and they continued their support, most notably against the section 28 act of 1988. It's a wonderful true story of people coming together in support of civil rights in what would seem to be an unlikely match. Matthew Warchus provides the facts, most of the characters are real people who were all asked to participate in the film in one way or another and all supported his version. Although the character of 'Bromley' was fictional, it showed just how hard it sometimes was for a young homosexual to come out at the time and being new to activist and politics, he acts as a successful protagonist for the viewer. The portrayals of Mark Ashton, Hefina Headon, Dai Donovan, Jonathan Blake and Sian James are all very accurate with they themselves (apart from Hefina Headon who sadly died the day the film started shooting) gave the film their blessing. It could be said that there are a few stereotypes within the film and that is fair comment, however, compare it to the unrealistic and nauseatingly mainstream films it's been lazily compared to (The Full Monty, Billy Elliot) it's actually rather authentic. Matthew Warchus should be praised for giving the LGSM the thanks they deserve and for bringing this important piece of political history to the masses in such an entertaining manner. The feel good film of 2014.