KINKY BOOTS

While not a kinky movie in the strictest sense, Kinky Boots is likely to appeal to all of us who enjoy seeing the underdog triumph over adversity and small-mindedness.

When Charlie Price (Australian actor, Joel Edgerton) inherits the family shoe factory upon his father’s death, he’s dismayed to learn that the business is about to go under. Charlie himself is ambiguous about the factory that was his father’s passion, but he sure doesn’t want to have to tell all those loyal employees, many he has known all his life, that they are about to be unemployed.

Prospects for a happy solution to this unfortunate situation seem dim.

Enter Lola.

Lola (talented Chiwetel Ejiofor) is a drag queen, and a cabaret singer, who has a chip on his shoulders, and an awful big complaint. His feet, and the lack of good fetish boots available for drag queens in general.

Between Lola, and love interest, Lauren (charming Sarah-Jane Potts) they manage to convince Charlie that the only way to keep the factory alive is to use it to produce fetish boots for men.

Charlie is reluctant, but probably not as reluctant as the employees he must convince to trust and support him on this venture. Of course, jobs are hard to find so, despite their natural inclination to shun such a radical concept, the employees agree and the plan is set in motion.

What follows is a poignant, charming adventure as this disparate group of desperate individuals seeks to make the most of a difficult transition. Everyone must confront their prejudices, and learn tolerance and empathy if the enterprise is to succeed.

Although this is, in essence, a comedy, it’s very poignant and real; the message of tolerance for others is only surpassed by its equally powerful message of tolerance for oneself.

Based on a true story, this film from the UK brings to mind such wonderful movies as The Full Monty and Calendar Girls. The humour is pure wit, and the characters are people you can give your heart to.

You don’t have to be kinky to enjoy this film you just have to be human!

Kinky Boots IMDB site.