English Director Michael Warchus brings to life a true story from his native land that tells the tale of how gay activists stepped forward to help save the miners, their families, and the union they had forged with his new film – PRIDE
The year is 1984, and gays and lesbians are trying to find their place in society in England. A group of friends – who happen to be gay & lesbian – decide that they need to find a purpose in life, and what better way to show love for your fellow man, to reach out to help someone in need. They happen upon a large group of individuals who are being alienated, sought after and persecuted, just like they are – The National Union of Mineworkers.
Margaret Thatcher and her parliament are hell bent on destroying the Union, so the miners are thrown out of their pits, making them out of work, and trying to find anyway to support their families.
Mark Ashton, the leader of the gay & lesbian organization, rallies his troops to raise money to ship to the miners in an attempt to show solidarity for their cause. When new comer Joe (George MacKay) arrives on the scene to participate in his first gay and lesbian march, he is encouraged to become a part of this merry little band of misfits – including lesbian Staph (Faye Marsay), Mr. Flamboyant – a.k.a. Dominic and his Welch partner Gethin (Andrew Scott), and a few others who are finding their way out of the closet in this gay community.
The Miners aren’t sure how to take this outpouring of support, as many of the miners are hesitant to accept help from these “deviates”. A few grateful souls step forward and accept their help, but they continue to receive push back, as there are still a few in the community who will not accept this CHARITY from “those type of people”. To ease their minds, the entire group of gays and lesbians heads to the small town of Onllyn, to ease the fears of those who need their assistance. Dai (Paddy Considine) stands in support of the gays & lesbians who have come to show their support, as he convinces many of his fellow miners to do the same. As they join forces to fight the “EVIL EMPIRE”, they find that their friendship and comradery are just what each group needs to find the light at the end of the tunnel…….
Will these two organizations be able to fight off Thatcher and her plight against both of them? Will the gay & lesbian group be able to raise enough money to truly make a difference? Will Dominic’s fancy footwork come to play an important role in acquiring acceptance from those individuals who don’t understand their “life style”, and will the Gays and the Miners finally be able to live their lives as God intended, free of the scrutiny of Thatcher, her Parliament, and of each other?
I give PRIDE a B-: I enjoyed learning this true story and the changes that came about in 1984 in England, by two small groups of individuals fighting for their rights! Watching the persecution turn into change and reform for both groups, made for one very enjoyable and entertaining film. Also, Bravo to George MacKay, who plays the role of Joe, as his defiance of his family to finally come out and come into his own, was truly a moving performance. Suffice to say, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I truly enjoyed PRIDE, and you will too – so head out and see it at a theater near you!
Kathy Kaiser
MATINEE CHAT with Kathy Kaiser 