This movie is just a fun watch. It's not trying to shock you every 2 minutes and it isn't full of profanity. This movie doesn't get the credit for being as entertaining as it is. Great watch and funny, uplifting and basically enjoyable.

KINKY BOOTS has become a Broadway sensation in 2013 with music and lyrics from Cyndi Lauper, while this original film is equally brilliant with a broad message of self-affirmation. Directed by Julian Jarrold (BECOMING JANE 2007, 7/10), it is another old-fashioned uplifting adult fairytale from UK, such as CALENDAR GIRLS (2003, 7/10), and THE FULL MONTY (1997), both exploit on the prudish nudity, but this film, based on a true event, is about a shoe factory owner Charlie (Edgerton) saves his family business by finding a niche market to design kinky boots for drag queens, with the help of a black transvestite Lola (Ejiofor), the story itself sounds outlandish, but the film is a thorough bliss to watch. Chiwetel Ejiofor is my current BEST ACTOR winner in 2013 for 12 YEARS A SLAVE (2013, 9/10), and this is another spectacular performance in his résumé, his boxer physique and deep voice do not deter his transformation into Lola, a flamboyant cabaret singer, covered with heavy make-up and kitschy costume, but Ejiofor siphons Lola's vulnerability and sensitivity perfectly on the screen out of her ostentatious stage flair, which gives enormous warmth to keep the film afloat, in spite of many standard clichés about provincial prejudice towards the trans-gender minority and a bitch-faced girlfriend who will ultimately cheat on our protagonist. Edgerton's Charlie, is a traditional guy, craves for a normal family life and worries about that he could not live up to his father's expectation, his self-affirmation remedy is inspired by Lola but the film doesn't shy away from his own bias as well although the over-heightened drama between him and Lola does merely serve as a plot device rather than a sincere catharsis. Nick Frost and Linda Bassett play two among several working-class laborers in the factory, the former is basically for comic relief and the latter is devised to express her feistiness occasionally. Potts' Lauren is the good gal always standing behind the man's back and Rooper's Nicola is the unsupportive girlfriend with a uncomely bob hairdo.Narrative aside, the musical rendition from Lola steals the limelight every time, Ejiofor's voice is a bit too blunt and in lack of variety, but his diva aura is second to none. Cleverly and intentionally, Jarrold blurs the line of Lola's sexuality, we are in the era of non- discrimination of one's sexuality, so it doesn't matter in any rate, the film is a fairly accomplished musical, balanced with both drama and comedy elements, it is also a small picture with a big heart, terrifically accessible to audience, neither cringing-worthy nor patronizing, this alone, is worth the good words-of-mouth and a two-thumbs-up.

This is a great story that was made into a movie, which is enjoyable and worthwhile to watch. The movie starts off slow, but it picks up speed and momentum after a while. Some might object to the idea that a transvestite approached a shoemaker to help him make better lasting and stronger boots to wear for his evening show. Needless to say, an experienced shoe maker helps to conceive a new idea of a knee high boot with steel heels that will make the boot last and be stronger. The film's finale is a hands down winner with many transvestites parading with their new boots on a stage in a Milan Fashion Show. The success of the show saved the Town's people who have been out of work for some time. P.S. I did not like that Harvey Fierstein stole this film's idea and made a Broadway production out of it, but without ever giving credit to the original screenwriters and directors!

This is another one of those quirky working-class character-based comedies that the Brits seem to specialize in (ala the Full Monty) and it's a pretty good one. With drag queens.I thought it was particularly well cast with the two main leads (Edgerton and, particularly, Ejiofor) who do a tremendous job bringing these characters to life. Ejiofor's portrayal of Lola/Simon is quite clearly the big draw here. It's a rich part and he plays it for all it's worth.Other than the sharply-drawn characters you have the standard culture-clash stuff, can-do industrial spirit and lite romantic comedy. It's certainly a formula picture and the veteran movie-goer will be able to see all of the story beats coming. A little more ramped-up Lola-energy would have been appreciated to shake things up. Sex may be in the heel, but there really isn't any of it in the movie. And there's a forced conflict towards the end for the sake of dramatic tension but it's completely unconvincing.Still, I'm a sucker for misfit characters and inspirational stories of reinvention so I'll give it a pass on the faults. I also now feel very self-conscious that none of my footwear is equipped with whip holsters--a lapse that will soon be rectified, I assure you.Recommended for fans of Brit comedies and/or drag queens. You know who you are.