Kinky Boots

I had the opportunity to see this lovely little film at a preview a few days before it is released in the US. The film centers on the city of Northampton in the UK. It is there that Charlie Price's family has owned and operated a shoe factory for many generations. However, Charlie wants to break the cycle and he decides working in marketing is better suited for him. In addition, he and his fiancee Nicola will move to London after they are married.

Things don't go as planned because Charlie's father passes away. For a number of reasons the factory isn't doing so well and Charlie has the agonizing task of having to lay off people. Lauren, who is one of those being laid off, challenges Charlie to come up with an idea to move the factory forward. During one of Charlie's trips to London he accidentally meets Lola, who takes care of him after he is injured during a brawl. Lola just happens to be a drag queen who loves to wear very high boots with skinny heels. In time, they come up with the idea of Lola designing boots for men who dress as women. This is something that might help the factory get out of the hole that it is in. Charlie discusses the idea with Lauren, rehires her and starts moving the factory in a new direction.

Of course, Lola (real name Simon) creates quite a stir when he moves to Northampton to work in the factory. Some people have a hard time accepting him because Northampton is not as progressive as London. Things also start to sour between Charlie and Nicola, which is no big surprise since the differences between them are crystal clear even at the beginning of the film. As time goes on, Charlie and company will be able to display their wares at a fashion show in Milan with great success.

The film is nicely directed by Julian Jarrold and the writing credits go to Geoff Deane and Tim Firth. During the last decade or so there have been a number of good films focusing on working people that have come out of the UK and this one is no exception. The film has the feel of The Full Monty and if you enjoyed that film you will certainly like this one. The fact the film is based on reality makes it even more endearing. Although the film is in part about Charlie and how he helps the factory get back on its feet it is also about the friendship between Charlie and Lola. They come to realize that they have more in common with each other than one would expect. They both have always felt like outsiders looking for their place in the world and this fact helps to bring them closer. Joel Edgerton is fine as Charlie but the real standout here is Chiwetel Ejiofer as Lola. He gives a powerful and moving performance and I for one can't wait to see what he does next.

Kinky Boots may not be a masterpiece in filmmaking but it is funny and heartfelt and will leave you walking out of the theater with a smile on your face.