Kinky Boots (2005)

A drag queen comes to the rescue of a man who, after inheriting his father's shoe factory, needs to diversify his product if he wants to keep the business afloat.

Director:

Julian Jarrold

Writers:

Geoff Deane, Tim Firth

Stars:

Joel Edgerton, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sarah-Jane Potts

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 1 win & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Joel Edgerton	...	Charlie
Chiwetel Ejiofor	...	Lola
Sarah-Jane Potts	...	Lauren
Nick Frost	...	Don
Linda Bassett	...	Melanie
Jemima Rooper	...	Nicola
Robert Pugh	...	Harold Price
Ewan Hooper	...	George
Stephen Marcus	...	Big Mike
Mona Hammond	...	Pat
Kellie Bright	...	Jeannie
Joanna Scanlan	...	Trish
Geoffrey Streatfield	...	Richard Bailey (as Geoffrey Streatfeild)
Leo Bill	...	Harry Sampson
Gwenllian Davies	...	Mrs. Cobb

Storyline

Charles Price may have grown up with his father in the family shoe business, but he never thought that he would take his father's place. Yet, the untimely death of his father places him in that position, only to learn that Price & Sons Shoes is failing. While in despair at his failed attempts to save the business, Charles has a chance encounter with the flamboyant drag queen cabaret singer, Lola. Her complaints about the inadequate footwear for her work combined with one of Charles' ex-employees, Lauren, leads to a suggestion to change the product to create a desperate chance to save the business: make men's fetish footwear. Lola is convinced to be their footwear designer and the transition begins. Now this disparate lot must struggle at this unorthodox idea while dealing both the prejudice of the staff, Lola's discomfort in the small town and the selfish manipulation of Charles' greedy fiancée who cannot see the greater good in Charles' dream.

---

Plot Keywords:

shoe | drag queen | model | boots | factory | 

---

Taglines:

How Far Would You Go To Save The Family Business?

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Music

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for thematic material involving sexuality, and for language

Details

Official Sites:

BV Entertainment [us] Miramax [us]

Country:

USA UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 October 2005 (UK)

Also Known As:

Botas audaces para pies diferentes

Filming Locations:

Clacton, Essex, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$77,529 (USA) (14 April 2006)

Gross:

$1,819,454 (USA) (28 July 2006)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Miramax Films, Harbour Pictures, Price Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Sound Mix:

SDDS Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Inspired by the true story of a traditional English men's footwear factory in Northamptonshire which turned to production of kinky boots for transvestites in order to save the ailing family business and safeguard the jobs of the local community.

---

Goofs

Charlie's tie changes position during the sequence where he lays off the workers. There is one cut in the sequence where his tie is neater.

---

Quotes

[first lines]
Lola's Dad: Come on. Come on, you stupid boy!

---

Connections

References Night of the Living Dead (1968)

---

Soundtracks

"Mr. Maybe"
Written by Jon Cooper
Performed by The Visitors

User Reviews

Absolutely worth your time

Like The Full Monty, this is a very satisfying, and ultimately uplifting film. It's basically about two people who have seemingly nothing in common, but are actually at similar crossroads in their lives. The performances by Joel Edgerton and Chiwetel Ejiofor are great and the plotting is nicely handled. The supporting roles are just as richly played as the main ones and provide many moments of humor. While there is a lot to laugh about, the film is strongest when dealing with the characters' foibles and triumphs over them.

This is a small film with giant themes and is definitely worth your time.