Imelda Staunton was nominated for a BAFTA best supporting actress for her role as a middle aged Welsh woman committed to helping get her community of Dulais through the clashes with police, the public and a conservative government led by Margaret Thatcher during the miners strike of 1984. This is British film making at it's best in that style only the Brits really know how to pull off.

In this unlikely coming together of two diametrically opposed groups, the miners and gay activists that share one thing in common, being isolated and alienated by people in general we see how change happens and it is really uplifting. The script is clever, witty, extremely touching at times and I did find myself welling up in places. This film in heart rending but in such a positive way with stand out performances from Bill Nighy who plays a gay man in the closet and Dominic West who plays gay activist Jonathan Blake, the 2nd man in the UK to be diagnosed HIV positive and who when interviewed in the press believed the story might never be told.

This film is perfect family viewing for kids aged 10 upwards with some incredible life lessons about prejudice, struggle and fighting against all the odds. A heart warming and inspiring true story where the coal miners collectively, through their union changed history for Gay and Lesbians in the U.K. Must watch for everyone who loves British cinema, brilliantly acted, really powerful stuff.