This film is funny, touching and sometimes sad, but is certainly one of the most enjoyable films of the year!
Based on a true story, the film depicts a group of lesbian and gay activists who raised money to help families affected by the British Miners’ Strike in 1984, at the outset of what would become the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners campaign.
The cast of this film are truly fantastic and they all play the roles superbly! Imelda Staunton plays one of the women running the miners’ welfare committee in Onllwyn (where the majority of the film is set) and she really demonstrates the character’s willing to fight for what she believes in, even if that’s fighting against members of her own committee! Other stand out performers include Bill Nighy, Ben Schnetzer, Dominic West and Andrew Scott who all shine in their roles!
The film is strongly written and while some issues aren’t developed into in great depth that certainly doesn’t detract from the film. The majority of the characters in the film are all based on real people and the way writer, Stephen Beresford has documented the story means that there are no weak characters!
Overall this film is a great amount of fun, with strong acting and writing! You can be sure that very soon a musical adaptation will come! This is one of the most enjoyable films of the year and it really is a good night out!
4 Stars
Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay
Screening curtesy of Palace Nova Cinema