REVIEW: PRIDE

People clapped at the end of Pride. I love when this happens because, as in political movements, it just takes one person to start and then others join in. It’s like catching a wave.
 
There’s a lot to cheer for here. It’s the mid 80’s and Margaret Thatcher is battling British coal miners. At the same time, the gay rights movement is struggling with the discovery of AIDS and, of course, public opinion. One young activist decides that their group should make common cause with the striking miners. What could be more outlandish than gay people raising funds for striking miners? Slowly and painfully we watch a band of wonderfully outlandish, sweet, and troubled gay brothers and sisters break open the homophobia of one Welsh coal miners’ union and change it to lasting friendship. 

And this is how they did it: Beer and music.

Dominic West

The activists showed up at the miners’ community centre to a very cold reception. But they didn’t give up and kept coming back with money. Almost all boundaries were broken down in what is probably the most ecstatic moments that I have ever seen in movies. An aging queen played by The Wire’s Dominic West (yes him!) lets loose in an astonishing dance scene. I felt such a surge of joy watching him move and infect others who had never dared cavort quite like that.
 
Pride is a true story. How many of you have heard of it? I hadn’t. Why not? It’s time for the mantra If it bleeds it leads to change. The world is so polarized that we need to hear more of these kinds of stories - so thank you to director Matthew Warchus and all involved!
 
P.S. If you appreciate appeals to authority David Denby of The New Yorker called it brilliantly entertaining!

- Barb