'Pride' could be BAFTA's - and perhaps Oscars bound - after critics lauded it ahead of release this weekend.
Pride is almost certainly the movie that you have to see at the cinema this weekend. The comedy-drama has everything to match some of the great British movies of recent years - The King's Speech, Tyrannosaur, In Bruges, etc. It has a strong narrative, a hugely talented cast and, now, excellent reviews.
Set in the summer of 1984, with Margaret Thatcher in power and the National Union of Mineworkers on strike, Pride tells the story of a London-based group of gay and lesbian activists who raise money to support the strikers' family. Initially rejected by the Union, the group set off to a tiny mining village in Wales to make their donation in person. In probably the most British line in a movie synopsis, ever, "As the strike drags on, the two groups discover that standing together makes for the strongest union of all."
The movie, which stars Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Dominic West and Paddy Considine, boasts a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
More: is Bill Nighy still one of Britain's best actors?
"A clear winner that makes you laugh, cry, and generally want to party and parade like it's 1984. Respect," said Angie Errigo of Empire magazine.
"Pride [is] a Brit dramedy that is a crowd-pleaser in the best sense of the word. Even when it's tugging hard at your heartstrings, you believe the damn thing," wrote Peter Travers of Rolling Stone.
"Warchus is a theatre director by trade, and Pride vibrates with the same energy and uplift as a great stage show. It chases applause, and earns it," said Robbie Collin of the Daily Telegraph.
"It's a joyous film, full of love and warmth but unafraid to admit that with sticking out your neck comes struggle and sorrow," wrote Calhoun of Time Out.
More: Bill Nighy turned down 'Doctor Who' role - but when?
"Pride is a warming, big-hearted affair which fully embraces the principles it so wonderfully portrays, turning itself into a lesson in compassion," said Katherine McLaughlin of The List.
Pride is out in the UK from today (September 11, 2014)
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