Kinky Boots (Kinky Boots (DVD))

Member Name: jennikitten

Product:	Kinky Boots (DVD)
Date:	27/05/08 (26 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good length, great story and acting.

Disadvantages: DVD extras let it down a bit, and a couple of parts of the plot could have been extended.

This film is set in a family-run Northampton shoe factory, inherited by son Charlie after his dad dies. Unfortunately the business is going down the pan, and to corner a niche market Charlie decides to make women's shoes and boots for men (i.e. transvestites, drag queens etc.). There are also sub plots which address the issues of transgendered people in society and Charlie's relationship with his fiancee.

My first impression of this film was that it was a realistic, well-made Brit flick. The acting was of great quality throughout, and I couldn't tell at all that a lot of the extras were genuine workers in the shoe factory used for filming. Chiwetel Ejiofor made an excellent drag queen, a better woman than some women are, in fact! His songs were great. The accents put on by the actors were also superb.

I was very surprised by the events and transvestite elements of the film, having gone into it without any prior knowledge or expectations, but it worked really well. I forgot that it said 'based on a true story' at the beginning and thought it even more clever as it definitely came across as a work of fiction.

It's a good length, being 107 minutes, and I was gripped all the way through. I never realised how complicated the shoe making process was, though you see it rather than hear about it so it's not boring or repetitive. It was also fun to see all the different shoes and boots on display, from designer Milan wear to drag queen club get up.

One part of the film that I thought could have been improved on was the relationship between Charlie and his fiancee; their break up was unclear and I think a lot more could have been made about it. It was also pretty predictable, and she was so evil it was difficult to see how they got together or why they remained together at all. Pretty 2D. It would also have been interesting to develop a bit more on Lola/Simon's relationship with his dad (they did this badly and cut it - it's in the deleted scenes).

The bonus material sadly doesn't have a blooper reel. However, it is divided into sections:
# Audio Commentary By Director Julian Jarrold And The Cast
# The Real Kinky Boots Factory
# Deleted Scenes
# Journey Of A Brogue

I have to confess I didn't listen to the audio commentary as I don't like them, but I did look at the other sections so I'll give you my view on those.

# The Real Kinky Boots Factory

This was a short piece showing the real-life shooting of the film on its various locations, focusing on the factory. This was interesting as it showed the actors' views on shoe making and how difficult it was; the actress who played Lauren's anecdote detailing her problems was particularly amusing. It also helped to create a link between real life and the film, which added to its plausibility and interest.

# Deleted Scenes

As I always say, they are deleted for a reason! Maybe 4 or 5 different scenes removed from the film either because they didn't fit, or were too crazy, I can only assume. The final deleted scene is an alternative ending, and it might have been better to label it as such (particularly for people like me who would be interested in that but don't normally like deleted scenes).

# Journey Of A Brogue

This was a look at how a shoe is made from beginning to end, basically a few minutes of clips of the involved process. I kind of expected an audio commentary for this as some parts I had difficulty following as they were so quick and/or involved, but no luck. Still quite interesting though, and my attention was lagging by this point so probably a good thing!

Overall, a fantastic film in itself and added extras on the DVD make it a worthwhile buy. The classification is a 12, and whereas there are no physically violent or sexual scenes, the issues themselves about acceptance and transgender might prove difficult for younger people.

Summary: Based on a true story, this original film will have you laughing and sympathising simultaneously.