Kinky Boots (2005)

57% of critics liked it
(107 reviews)
63% of users liked it
(71,339 ratings)

A failing shoe factory that's struggling to maintain its footing following the death of its founder finds the inspiration needed to stay in business from the most unlikely of sources in veteran British director Julian Jarrold's warmhearted tale of fancy footwear and changing times. Charlie Price… More A failing shoe factory that's struggling to maintain its footing following the death of its founder finds the inspiration needed to stay in business from the most unlikely of sources in veteran British director Julian Jarrold's warmhearted tale of fancy footwear and changing times. Charlie Price (Joel Edgerton) just can't seem to keep the factory afloat on his own, and with the livelihood of his entire small town hanging in the balance, he needs to come up with something truly groundbreaking. Lola (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is a sassy female impersonator with a flair for style and a great mind for design. Though on paper their inventive scheme to save the factory may sound too outrageous to be true, stranger things have happened in the world of business, and if it doesn't break them, it may just transform them into the richest footwear manufacturers in all of England. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 46 min.
Directed By: Julian Jarrold
Written By: Geoff Deane, Tim Firth
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Apr 8, 2006 Limited
On DVD: Sep 5, 2006
Studio: Miramax Films

Critic Reviews

Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
You'll giggle and laugh and never look at those things on your feet the same way again.
Bruce Westbrook, Houston Chronicle
It's a predictable and preachy stab at a comedy with heart, and its subversive silliness is eclipsed by an overwrought humanity.
Chris Vognar, Dallas Morning News
It's a feel-good movie that happens to dress in drag.
Steve Murray, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Oh, do come in, love -- welcome to the Twee Brit Comedy Factory.
Robert Denerstein, Denver Rocky Mountain News
Ejiofor's latest, Kinky Boots, may not enshrine itself in the halls of movie greatness, but it proves that this versatile British actor can do nearly anything.
Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post
Don't let the title toss you. The accent on this charmer about a shoe-factory owner who finds a muse of economic recovery in a drag queen rests on the boots more than the kinks.
Heather Boerner, Common Sense Media
Brit comedy is more warm and quirky than kinky.
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
The film falls short of its initially obvious dramatic goals due to the shallow depths that screenwriters Geoff Deane and Tim Firth take their characters.
Felix Gonzalez Jr., DVD Review
Miramax has given the film a very nice presentation ....
Felix Gonzalez Jr., DVD Review
What Kinky Boots has going for it is a terrific performance from Chiwetel Ejiofor as Lola, who serves as the emotional heart of the film.
Kevin Lally, Film Journal International
It's cheerful, predictable and far from edgy, but buoyed by a likable cast and a standout performance by the versatile Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Karina Montgomery, Cinerina
Kinky Boots stands out for 3 reasons: 1. It's inspired by a true story. 2. It's about what it really means to be a man AND the power of fabulousness. 3. It has the formidable Chiwetel Ejiofor in drag, singing!
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A tepid crowd-pleasing Brit comedy/drama that offers nothing fresh.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...never quite as tedious as one might've expected...
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
Kinky Boots doesn't really have much kink in its boots as it aims steadfastly for a PG-13 rating, but it is attractive and gentle and will give no offense.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
Kinky Boots is so loveable and its characters so charming, it may have you forgetting how much of it is firmly rooted in stereotype and cliché.
Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine
These boots, alas, are too creaky to be used for walking.
Trevor Johnston, Time Out
Overall, it's breezy, forgettable fluff, but 'kinky'? Obviously, the term is relative.
Todd Jorgenson, Denton Record Chronicle (TX)
The cast of eccentrics is endearing, and the lessons of acceptance slide down easily with minimal emotional manipulation.

Read all 19 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Nicki M

Just a nice little film. Won't change any ones life, and will probably have forgotten it five minutes after you've seen it, but not bad to watch to kill an hour and a half. The cast were fine, the plot is slight and the drag queen and the shoes steal the show.
Anthony L

The idea was good, I actually remember watching the documentary in which it was based but unfortunately the message got very repetitive, the story got very predictable and the cliches came thick and fast. The acting was horrible too!
Megan S

It was cute, it could have definitely been better. I think that it had the potential to be a great comedy but I'm not sure if the director really made up his mind about what kind of movie he wanted to make. The story was certainly intriguing especially since it's based on a… More
It was cute, it could have definitely been better. I think that it had the potential to be a great comedy but I'm not sure if the director really made up his mind about what kind of movie he wanted to make. The story was certainly intriguing especially since it's based on a true story.
Luke B

A shoe company owner goes to extreme measures to save the company. Will it work? Will he learn a valuable lesson? Will there be a romantic sub-plot? Will they make it to the Milan shoe festival? This is pretty much The Full Monty 2. It follows the exact same patterns, with loved ones… More
A shoe company owner goes to extreme measures to save the company. Will it work? Will he learn a valuable lesson? Will there be a romantic sub-plot? Will they make it to the Milan shoe festival? This is pretty much The Full Monty 2. It follows the exact same patterns, with loved ones hammering down the young hero for his ridiculous ideas. Ejiofor is of course amazing, avoiding cliche and making a heartfelt and moving performance. A lot of the film seems dull in comparison, apart from the unexplainably dramatic score, I thought the lost ark was about to be raided or the Jedi's would return at any moment. The film may have worked better as a more whimsical farce despite being based on a true story. Funny? Yes. But painfully predictable, especially the soundtrack. "These boots are made for walking"? "It's a Mans World" they're all here.
Mason W

This an inspiring movie that tells you no matter who you are there is a place for you. The music and this film Kinky Boots will make you walk away happy that people despite differences can live and respect one another.....a nice thought. All I have to say is...YOU WORK IT!!! lol
Film C

it was ok had funny bits
Keysha H

So..Chiwetel is not the best looking cross dresser. But this is a heart felt film, and an interesting story line to talk about acceptance.
Emily A

You can tell that the people who made this really cared about it and the 'labour of love' vibe really comes through. It's genuinely funny and with enough pathos to ground it and make it relateable. It made me a huge fan of Chitwetel Ejiofor.
Sophie B

Some good laughs, not too bad. Not a regularly watchable film, however.
Red L

Feel good movie. Dealing with saving a business, prejudice, love.
Bill C

A story based on the similar basis for all peoples whether the son of a shoe maker or a drag queen. There are several moment in this movie where it has a chance to jump to the next level, but it veers back toward the well beaten path. A heart-string puller with minimal payout in the… More
A story based on the similar basis for all peoples whether the son of a shoe maker or a drag queen. There are several moment in this movie where it has a chance to jump to the next level, but it veers back toward the well beaten path. A heart-string puller with minimal payout in the end
Jason R

Every now and then here in the States we get a feel-good comedy from across the pond, and Kinky Boots joins that group. Really enjoyed the movie!
Janice :

Boring to the extreme
Leo L

Great film!
Patrick D

This is a great movie. It's totally over-dramatic and romantic comedy but it's a good one.
Kevin M

I don't ordinarily watch films that revolve around gay citylife or drag performances, but I'm actually impressed with this one. Having seen Edgerton and Ejiofor in other incredible films, I found their roles were performed perfectly in this feature. I'm very glad to… More
I don't ordinarily watch films that revolve around gay citylife or drag performances, but I'm actually impressed with this one. Having seen Edgerton and Ejiofor in other incredible films, I found their roles were performed perfectly in this feature. I'm very glad to know this is a true story, with some truly cheerful and heartfelt moments. I'm 100% straight and would recommend this. :) IF you aren't comfortable in your own sexuality (homophobic or simply religiously closed-minded) to watch this kind of film, I feel sorry for you.
FanGirl B

A completely charming film. Chiwetel Ejiofor looks fabulous as Lola.