Whilst Jackie is inspired by his son and reconsiders notions of masculinity, he also 

experiences personal adversity through social and political pressure to conform as a striking
miner. This pressure is articulated through Daldry’s inclusion of various rioting sequences
and scenes at the picket line. These scenes often follow a calmer scene, in order to remind
the audience of the ongoing tension within society due to the mining strikes. An example is
after Billy talks with Mrs Wilkinson quietly at the end of dance practice, Daldry cuts to a
chaotic scene of Tony fleeing riot police. This scene  includes the use of a handheld camera,
whilst non-diegetic soundtrack of ‘London Calling’ by the Clash plays in the background,
establishing a dramatic, combative mood. These scenes function as ongoing reminders of
the rising pressure on striking miners and the community of Durham. Jackie crossing the
picket line after so long is an act of bravery therefore, as he defies the social and political
pressure to conform as a man and miner, to pursue the dream of being masculine in a
different way, as  a loving father and provider for his family. The scene is tumultuous,
representing Jackie’s internal conflict.