TIFF 2014: Day Four

[przed]

I've got a few spare minutes before I've got to dash off and pick up Ros, so I thought I'd put up at least one quick film fest review. And I thought I'd pick the one that might be most relevant to the interests of people on my flist: Pride.

This is a fictional account of the true story of LGSM, Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners, a group of London activists who decided to support a small Welsh mining village during the miner's strike in '80s Britain.

Here's a shot of the activists in question:

With the exception of Dominic West in the middle of the back row, (ETA: And Andrew Scott! I forgot Andrew Scott!) they're mostly young, unknown actors, but they're all wonderful. The people in the mining village are more recognizable faces (Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton, Paddy Considine), and are also wonderful. The movie is smartly written, funny and heartwarming, but also has some bite, given the politics involved. I loved it, and I wasn't alone. The entire audience rose to its feet during the credits to give the filmmakers an extended standing ovation. And while Toronto's film fest audience has the rep of being enthusiastic, we're not always that enthusiastic. The film really is quite special.

Making the screening even more special was the fact that three of the real people involved (two of the gay activists, and a miner's wife who ended up getting a degree after the strike and becoming a Labour MP) joined the filmmakers for a Q&A at the end.

Consider this an enthusiastic thumbs up from me.

Comments

[moonlightmead.livejournal.com]

Thanks for this! Have just booked a ticket for this today, as it happens, so I am delighted that you liked it so much. Don't think we're getting Sian James though :) (I assume she's the MP.)

What sort of questions were they asked afterwards?

[kiwisue.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the tip. Opens at the end of next month here, without the Q&A alas, and I can't find any information about cinemas so I'll have to keep an eye out.

[graculus.livejournal.com]

I think this was already on my radar because of Andrew Scott, and I'm pleased to see my local multiplex (which usually doesn't get more alternative stuff) is showing it so I'll try and see it at some point over the weekend.

Also there ought to be a law against Dominic West's 'hairstyle' in this movie... ;)

[dorinda.livejournal.com]

Oh jeez, that sounds SO GOOD. Thanks for putting it on my radar!

[msmoat.livejournal.com]

This sounds like a movie I would really enjoy! Cool. I shall keep an eye out for it. Thanks so much!

[draycevixen.livejournal.com]

*makes a note* Ta!

[togsos.livejournal.com]

I am so glad that this is good, I heard them interviewed on the radio the other day and I really want to see it.

[norfolkdumpling.livejournal.com]

I'd seen a few articles about this film and thought it looked really interesting. Good to know it is! I might try to catch it - thanks for the rec :)

[halotolerant.livejournal.com]

This one is definitely on my 'to watch' list, it looked like a great concept and I'm hearing good things (which I'm so pleased about because with this subject matter I really wanted it to be an engaging film)