Watch Dirty Pretty Things
- R
- 2002
- 1 hr 33 min
-
7.2 (44,469)
"Dirty Pretty Things" is a hauntingly beautiful drama film directed by Stephen Frears and starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Audrey Tautou, and Sophie Okonedo. The film portrays the lives of immigrant workers living on the fringe of society in London, struggling to get by and trying to avoid being exploited by a system that doesn't care about them.
Chiwetel Ejiofor plays Okwe, a Nigerian cab driver who works long hours in a hotel off the beaten path of London's bustling tourist scene. Despite trying to keep a low profile, Okwe is drawn into the dark underbelly of the hotel's operations when he discovers a human heart clogging one of the toilets.
Audrey Tautou plays Senay, a Turkish refugee who also works at the same hotel as a maid. Senay dreams of starting a new life in America, but she is trapped in London due to her undocumented status. When Senay and Okwe cross paths, they are both forced to confront the harsh realities of their precarious existence in London.
Sophie Okonedo plays Juliette, a prostitute who lives in the hotel and is secretly in love with Okwe. Despite their attraction, Okwe's traumatic past prevents him from pursuing a romantic relationship with Juliette.
As the story progresses, Okwe and Senay become embroiled in a dangerous scheme that exposes the corrupt underbelly of the city's immigrant shadow economy. The duo's search for justice, safety, and freedom leads them to make sacrifices in order to protect their newfound family.
"Dirty Pretty Things" is a powerful and emotional examination of humanity's darker side, exploring themes of immigration, exploitation, and displacement. The film provides a poignant commentary on the ways in which power structures privilege some while exploiting others, often with harrowing consequences.
The film is masterfully directed by Stephen Frears, who creates a world that is both familiar and unsettling. The cinematography captures the gritty reality of London's streets, while the soundtrack delivers a haunting and poignant score.
The performances by the film's leads are all outstanding. Ejiofor portrays Okwe with a quiet dignity and gravitas that makes him a compelling protagonist. Tautou shines as Senay, imbuing the character with a fierce determination and sensitivity. Okonedo's portrayal of Juliette is captivating, conveying the character's depth and complexity with ease.
Overall, "Dirty Pretty Things" is a must-watch for those seeking a powerful commentary on the human condition. The film is not without its dark and difficult moments, but by the end, viewers will be left with a sense of hope and redemption for the fragile and complex lives of those living in the shadows of society.
Dirty Pretty Things is a 2002 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 78.