Kinky Boots

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Kinky Boots

PG-13

2005

1h 47m

Comedy

Drama

LGBTQ+

Music

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

58%

Tomatometer

112 Reviews

74%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

After his father's demise, Charlie Price inherits the family business, a shoe factory in Northampton, England. He is not interested in shoes, and the factory is in such dire financial straits that he must lay off 15 employees. However, a fortuitous encounter with a transvestite cabaret singer inspires Charlie to save the factory from closure by producing erotic footwear, much to the chagrin of the workers.

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Critics Consensus

Kinky Boots relies heavily on the Full Monty formula of Britcoms, while playing it too safe in a desperate attempt not to offend. Ejiofor's performance is its redeeming virtue.

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Trevor Johnston

Time Out

Jun 24, 2006

Overall, it's breezy, forgettable fluff, but 'kinky'? Obviously, the term is relative.

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Marc Savlov

Austin Chronicle

May 27, 2006

3/5

...If you've seen The Full Monty (or Waking Ned Devine or Calendar Girls or Billy Elliot) then this film's surprises will be few and far between, although no less pleasant for it.

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Bruce Westbrook

Houston Chronicle

May 19, 2006

2.5/4

It's a predictable and preachy stab at a comedy with heart, and its subversive silliness is eclipsed by an overwrought humanity.

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Michael Cuby

them.

Nov 2, 2022

Kinky Boots takes a familiar narrative and turns it into something extraordinarily queer.

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Frank J. Avella

Edge Media Network

Jun 7, 2022

B-

It's a hoot watching future Oscar-nominee Ejiofor ("12 Years a Slave") spectacularly lighting up the screen as Lola. Ejiofor singing "Whatever Lola Wants" is a rousing highlight. The actor manages the character nuances magnificently.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Jun 4, 2022

3/4

The sort of pleasant trifle that the Brits used to do often and do fairly well.

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Mo B

@Monique646 Feb 27, 2026

Kinky Boots (2005) is a smart and entertaining movie. I love how it shows the relationship between the straight guy, who’s worried about what everyone thinks, and the guy in drag, who learned to be confident in who he really is and refuses to hide it. (But they both need each other.) The tension between them, and other relationships makes the story both moving and sometimes funny. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Joel Edgerton are both fantastic—they really bring their characters to life and make the story feel believable and engaging. The rest of the cast is great also.I’ve watched this well-made movie several times over the years, and it never gets old.

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m s

@misslecommand Jan 31, 2026

only perpetually lame people ( the critics) wouldn't enjoy this movie

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Dave C

@RT09838700 Mar 20, 2024

It is true that without CE it would be harder to find this as enjoyable as it is, but JE is also very good, so it makes for a great pairing. I love the quirks of the story, the oddball nature of some of the characters, the industrial setting, and the level of comedy is just right. It's a film I forget how much I enjoy until I'm watching it again

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May 17, 2022

This was a wonderful story. I have to say that in my younger years, I was quite judgmental. Now that I am 60+, I have improved upon myself and have become more understanding and welcoming. This is a heartfelt movie that was wonderfully written. I can only imagine how difficult life was for folks like this and I was one of the ones that pointed a finger. For that, I am truly sorry. This is a movie to watch!

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Oct 27, 2021

A feel good film, fun and songs, and bit of humour. Chiwetel Ejiofor is fantastic here.

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Jan 1, 2021

Kinky Boots' main issue is that it lacks interest and memorability. The characters and story are presented in a way that is dull, which is a shame because as the far superior musical theater adaptation of the movie has shown, this premise can be done well.

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Julian Jarrold

Director

Joel Edgerton

Charlie Price

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Lola

Sarah Jane Potts

Lauren

Jemima Rooper

Nicola

Linda Bassett

Melanie

Kinky Boots: Official Clip - Yes Sir I Can Boogie

1:54

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Kinky Boots: Official Clip - Does He Look Sexy?

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Kinky Boots: Official Clip - These Boots Are Made for Walkin'

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Kinky Boots: Official Clip - Lola Out of London

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Kinky Boots: Official Clip - Red Is the Color of Sex

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Kinky Boots: Official Clip - I Feel Like Oprah

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Kinky Boots: Official Clip - Arm Wrestling

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Kinky Boots: Official Clip - It's a Man's Man's Man's World

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Kinky Boots: Official Clip - Whatever Lola Wants

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Kinky Boots: Official Clip - Pass Me My Boobs

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Kinky Boots: Trailer 1

1:53

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Synopsis

After his father's demise, Charlie Price inherits the family business, a shoe factory in Northampton, England. He is not interested in shoes, and the factory is in such dire financial straits that he must lay off 15 employees. However, a fortuitous encounter with a transvestite cabaret singer inspires Charlie to save the factory from closure by producing erotic footwear, much to the chagrin of the workers.

Director: Julian Jarrold
Producer: Nick Barton, Suzanne Mackie, Peter Ettedgui
Screenwriter: Geoff Deane, Tim Firth
Production Co: Miramax, Price Productions II, Buena Vista International [us]
Rating: PG-13 (Sexuality|Language|Thematic Material)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, LGBTQ+, Music
Original Language: English
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Apr 14, 2006
Release Date (Streaming): May 23, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.8M
Runtime: 1h 47m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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