There is something to be said for hidden talent, and the filmmakers behind “Pride” are a prominent example.
First-time writer Stephen Beresford and director Matthew Warchus, whose only other feature film was back in 1999, present an inspirational true story about a London-based group called LGSM (Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners), who, in the midst of their own persecution, raised money for the mining strike of 1984 to ‘85.
The story begins in London, at the tail end of the Margaret Thatcher era. Closeted pastry student, Joe (George MacKay), fumbles in his indecision of whether or not he will join the gay pride rally happening in the streets. It is clear that he wants to but is nervous about being seen. So, when he discovers a section of the parade holding buckets and asking for donations to support the miners, he finds his “in.” This is the mask he is looking for, the level of comfort he needs. After all, he’s just supporting the miners.
The miners are also undergoing persecution as they picket for their rights, points out Mark (Ben Schnetzer), who serves as the leader of LGSM. Growing up in Northern Ireland, Mark was taught that you should not just support the rights of one group of people, but of all people. He wants to raise money for the National Union of Mineworkers while they continue their strike.
Unfortunately, not all of the gay activists are willing to pitch in, as they believe that the average miner tends to be homophobic. So, LGSM finds itself pared down to a handful of people, including Mark, Joe, Mike (Joseph Gilgun), Steph (Faye Marsay, playing the plucky-natured “L” in LGSM), flamboyant and extroverted Jonathan (Dominic West), and his boyfriend, Gethin (Andrew Scott), a quiet Welshman who hasn’t been welcome at home in more than 16 years.
They quickly run into problems when they contact the union, which doesn’t want to give them the time of day. So, the members of LGSM sidestep the union and directly contact a mining village in South Wales. At first, their help is heartily accepted—until the village finds out what LGSM stands for—and then the response is divided.
Many of the villagers are worried about the connotations of a “group of perverts” helping their cause. But among the willing are Dai (Paddy Considine), feisty housewife-turned-activist Sian (Jessica Gunning), the boisterous Hefina (Imelda Staunton), shy-but-kind Cliff (Bill Nighy) and Gwen (Menna Trussler). They set about ensuring that the village gets to know the members of LGSM, uniting in their common goal.
It’s hard to tell which aspect makes this film so great—the uplifting story (it doesn’t err too much on the side of sentimentality, though it will carry you with its emotion) or the ensemble cast. In trying to decide which performance stood out the most, I came up with a list of about six actors. So, suffice it to say that each and every one of them contributes beautifully.
But, honestly, there’s not much to criticize about this film. “Pride” is a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t cut any corners to woo its audience, and it looks good from every angle. It provides plenty of humor, human interest, great ‘80s music, and a history lesson to boot. Kudos to Beresford and Warchus—I can only hope they continue to make films just as good.
“Pride” is now playing at the Midtown Cinema. Be sure to check it out!
Sammi Leigh Melville is a staff member and film reviewer at Midtown Cinema.
Midtown Cinema November Events
Moviate presents
BJÖRK: “Biophilia Live”
Nov 1, 2, & 3 @ 7:30pm. $5.
National Theatre Live Series
Recordings of live professional theatre productions.
Tennesee Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire”
starring Gillian Anderson as Blanche Dubois
Sun 11/2 @4pm & Tue 11/4 @7pm. $20/$15 members
David Hare’s “Skylight”
starring Carey Mulligan and Bill Nighy
Sun 11/16 @4pm & Tue 11/18 @7pm
Broadway’s “Of Mice and Men”
starring James Franco and Chris O’Dowd
Sun 11/30 @4pm & Tue 12/2 @7pm
“Being Ginger”
Sun 11/2 & Tue 11/4 @7:30pm
A documentary about being a red head. Obviously.
Moviate presents
“Cinema Solariens”
Mon 11/3 @7pm
Atlanta Filmmaker James Harrar accompanies his films with live flute and kora.
Mommy & Me Matinees
Sat 11/8 and every second Saturday!
Brighter lighting, lower sound, stroller parking, and babies welcome!
Saturday Morning Cartoons
Sat 11/8 and every second Saturday 9:30-11:30am
Classic cartoons on the big screen!
“Half of a Yellow Sun”
Sat 11/8, Sun 11/9, & Mon 11/10 @7:30
The 2013 drama romance set in 1960s Nigeria
Foreign and Classic Film Series presents
Sun 11/9 @6pm and every 2nd Sunday
“The Little Princess,” Shirley Temple classic on the big screen.
“Private Peaceful”
Sun 11/9 @1:30, Mon 11/10 @5pm, Tue 11/11 @7pm
In this BBC World War I Drama, two brothers fall for the same woman.
Down in Front! Greatest Hits Edition
“Eegah: The Name Written in Blood”
Fri 11/14 @9:30ish
Our improv trio comedically re-rips apart the terrible 1962 monster b-movie. BYOB… you’ll need it. $5.
The Family Movie Series presents
“Hook,” adventure comedy starring Robin Williams, $5
Sat 11/15 @12pm, Sun 11/16 @2pm, Tue 11/18 @7pm
3rd in the Burg $3 Movie
“Jurassic Park,” 1993 Spielberg classic, starring dinosaurs
Fri 11/21 @9:30ish
Agatha Christie’s
“Miss Marple: The Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side”
Sun 11/23 @4pm – FREE
The 1992 BBC Movie, starring Joan Hickson.
Moviate presents
“Fly Colt Fly,” 2014 documentary about the Barefoot Bandit
Sun 11/23 @7:30pm
“The Wizard of Oz”
Thu 11/27 @7pm, Fri 11/28 @7pm, & Sat 11/29 @2pm
A Thanksgiving tradition returns with the 1939 MGM classic!
