Watch Kinky Boots

Kinky Boots is a heartwarming comedy-drama film from 2005 that tells the story of a failing shoe factory in Northampton, England, and the unlikely partnership formed between its owner and a drag queen who helps to save the business. Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as Lola, a talented drag performer who is struggling to find his place in the world. Meanwhile, Joel Edgerton plays Charlie Price, the son of the late owner of Price & Sons, a traditional shoe factory that has been struggling to stay afloat in the face of stiff competition from cheaper foreign imports.

Charlie is under immense pressure to turn the factory's fortunes around after inheriting the business from his father, but he lacks the experience and vision needed to come up with a winning strategy. That is until he meets Lola, who inspires him to create a line of high-heeled boots designed specifically for drag queens.

Despite the initial skepticism of his workforce and the disapproval of his fiancée, Nicola, Charlie decides to take a chance on Lola's idea and enlists him to help design and promote the new line of boots. As they work together, the two men find common ground and learn to appreciate each other's talents, ultimately forming a deep and lasting friendship.

Along the way, Kinky Boots explores themes of acceptance, tolerance, and the importance of being true to oneself. Lola faces discrimination and prejudice from those who don't understand his lifestyle, but ultimately finds validation and acceptance through his work with Charlie.

The film also delves into the realities of working-class life in England, including the struggles faced by factory workers and the pressures placed on small business owners. The relationship between Charlie and his longtime employee, Don, adds an additional layer of complexity to the story, highlighting the generational divide that often exists in the workplace.

Throughout Kinky Boots, Ejiofor shines as Lola, bringing depth and nuance to his performance as a character who is often dismissed as a mere stereotype. Edgerton provides a solid foil as Charlie, giving the character a warmth and sincerity that make him easy to root for.

The supporting cast is also strong, particularly Sarah-Jane Potts as Lauren, a factory worker who becomes one of the strongest advocates for the new line of boots. The film also features some memorable musical numbers, including a rousing finale that showcases the talents of both Ejiofor and the entire cast.

Overall, Kinky Boots is a charming and uplifting film that delivers an important message about the power of acceptance and the importance of embracing one's true self. It's a must-see for anyone who loves a good underdog story, and will leave audiences feeling inspired and uplifted.

Kinky Boots is a 2005 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 57.