Review of Dirty Pretty Things (2002) by Kieran M — 05 Aug 2008

"We are the people you do not see. We are the ones who drive your cabs. We clean your rooms. And suck your cocks."A very human drama telling the story of a group of UK immigrants (legal & illegal) and their struggle in everyday life, and the lengths they will go to in order to survive.

Segueing cleverly and realistically into a shocking depiction of the illegal organ transplant market, Dirty Pretty Things very occasionally feels somewhat trapped by the limitations of a thriller (overwrought music score, close escapes), and the cops here are the usual walking clichés, but most everything else happens naturally and the film is hugely successful.

Building on an already impressive career, Audrey Tautou is truly stunning as Senay, and Chiwetel Ejiofor is equally as good as Okwe. Characterisation is one of the films strongest points, which means that the slightly unlikely positive ending feels earned and poignant.

Attitudes towards immigration in the UK are becoming increasingly worrying. Xenophobia has never been so rampant, and scare-mongering headlines dominate our worst (and best selling) newspapers. I'm sure a large number of people would benefit from (and have their attitudes tested) watching this film.