PRIDE

And they're just the main players - there really is such a rich tapestry of characters involved in this story. The miraculous thing is, all of them fill their role superbly; there's really not a line out of place. It is a marvel in casting, seamlessly blending well-known names with undiscovered talent. If I had to play favourites, then Ben Schnetzer is outstanding as the film's driving force and the closest thing to our main character, George MacKay as our conduit into the group is brilliant to watch growing from a timid rabbit to confident hero, and Dominic West's dance scene is both utterly hilarious and completely cringeworthy at the same time. On the other side of the fence, Paddy Considine is exceptional and gets completely lost in his character, and Jessica Gunning's countenance makes her riveting in every scene.

'Pride' never attempts to neatly slot itself into one genre. On the surface, it appears to be a gay rights film, but it's so much more than that. It's a historical piece, a comedy, a coming-of-age film, a political drama, a tear-jerker. All of these elements blend together perfectly in Stephen Beresford's screenplay, a concise and considered piece of work for what could have been just another bland, soulless film based on a true story. The result is a heartwarming movie, weaving in details of the riotous Thatcher era and a strike which kept the world talking for months.

In the end, this isn't a film about same-sex rights, it's about the power of friendship. If two seemingly polar opposite groups like miners and gay and lesbian campaigners can find common ground, it's proof that, ultimately, we're all the same. The truth of this story sends a vital message, without an overdose of morality, and for that reason alone it deserves to be heard. Yet there's so much more than that; the honesty, persistence and optimism of 'Pride' can be practically guaranteed to warm even the most callous of hearts.