#TIFF14: “PRIDE”

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

Set during Margret Thatcher‘s reign, we see an England where Prejudice and Homophobia are alive and well in 1984.  At the national forefront is the lengthy strike of the National Union of Mineworkers.  Mark (Ben Schnetzer) is the Leader of the LGSM (Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners), rallying  his Friends Joe (George MacKay), Zoe (Jessie Cave) and Gethin (Andrew Scott) and teaming with Dai (Paddy Considine)  in support of the Miners.

Upon reaching-out to the Miners, they at first are met with resistance and their support actually is refused in fear of the perception being associated with a Gay Activist Group.  The LGSM as a result then take their support to a small Welsh Mining Community. From Director Matthew Warchus,  Pride is a Story of two unlikely Groups coming together – a true Underdog’s Story that needs to be told and understood.

The obstacles are plentiful whether it be the people of England or even the Miners who so desperately need the help, but perseverance prevails here and you will leave feeling deeply rewarded.  The Film is a beautiful Piece about societal differences and at once a union brought together by such. Schnetzer shines brightest here in a performance that will be much talked about. Serious Awards Season consideration for Pride certainly would not be out of the question this early in the game.

Pride screens Saturday, September 6, 2014 2:45 PM at Visa Screening Room (Elgin) and Sunday, September 7, 2014 12:30 PM at Isabel Bader Theatre.