Kinky Boots Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A shoe factory goes from making boring shoes to fabulous footwear when a drag queen teaches everyone that red is the color of sex, not hot water bottles.

🍿 Kinky Boots: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Inheriting the Family Business

Charlie Price is poised to leave his small town and family shoe business, Price & Sons, for a new life in London with his girlfriend, Nicola. However, his father’s sudden death forces him to return and take over the struggling factory. He soon discovers that the business is on the brink of bankruptcy, leaving him with difficult decisions.

A Chance Encounter

Desperate to save the business, Charlie encounters Lola, a charismatic drag queen, in London. He realizes the niche market for sturdy and fashionable boots for drag performers. Inspired, he approaches Lola with a proposition: to design and produce ‘kinky boots’ that can support the weight and style demands of drag queens. This marks a turning point for Price & Sons.

Navigating Prejudice and Innovation

The factory workers initially resist the radical change and Lola’s presence, fueled by prejudice and discomfort. Charlie struggles to balance the traditional craftsmanship of the factory with Lola’s flamboyant designs. The film highlights the challenges of bridging cultural divides and overcoming personal biases as they work together to create the unique product line. This creates conflict and opportunity for growth for everyone involved.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Charlie Price (Joel Edgerton): A reluctant heir to his family’s failing shoe factory, who seeks to save the business by producing fetish footwear.
• Lola (Chiwetel Ejiofor): A flamboyant drag queen and cabaret singer who partners with Charlie to design ‘kinky boots’ and revitalize the shoe factory.
• Lauren (Sarah-Jane Potts): A Price & Sons employee who inspires Charlie to pursue the niche market of fetish footwear.
• Don (Nick Frost): A prejudiced factory worker who initially clashes with Lola but eventually learns acceptance.
• Nicola (Jemima Rooper): Charlie’s self-absorbed and materialistic fiancée who disapproves of his efforts to save the factory.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lola: “Ladies, a word of advice: Buy cheap and you’ll pay twice.” – Lola imparts wisdom about the importance of quality, particularly when it comes to footwear for drag queens.
• Lola: “Sex shouldn’t be comfy.” – Lola explains her design philosophy and the kind of footwear she needs.
• Lola: “The truth is, accepting nothing is a risk. And I’m prepared to take it. Are you?” – Lola challenges Don and the other factory workers to reconsider their prejudices and be open to new ideas.
• Lola: “People will never accept you for who you are. So you might as well be spectacular.” – Lola’s philosophy to embracing and celebrating yourself

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $3,618,757
• Worldwide Gross: $13,595,420

💥 Kinky Boots Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Kinky Boots! It was one of those movies that just left me feeling good inside. Chiwetel Ejiofor was incredible as Lola, I was completely mesmerized by her presence and confidence. The scene where she confronts Don at the factory was so powerful, and I think it really showed how important it is to stand up for yourself. The whole movie was just so much fun, and the music was fantastic. I really recommend it to anyone who needs a bit of cheering up!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of feel-good British comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about overcoming prejudice and embracing diversity”
  • “People who enjoy movies about business innovation and unlikely partnerships”
  • “Admirers of Chiwetel Ejiofor”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some suggestive humor”
  • “Themes of homophobia and prejudice (handled with a positive message)”
  • “Occasional cross-dressing themes may not be suitable for all viewers”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “A surprisingly heartwarming and genuinely funny film. Chiwetel Ejiofor steals the show with a charismatic performance as Lola, and the film manages to address themes of tolerance and acceptance without being preachy. It’s a feel-good story with a lot of heart.
• Empire Magazine: “While predictable, Kinky Boots is undeniably charming. The film benefits from a strong cast, particularly Joel Edgerton, who really sells his character’s change of heart. It’s a lighthearted comedy that celebrates individuality and the power of embracing change.
• BBC: “A fun and engaging story that tackles serious themes with a light touch. The film is full of laugh-out-loud moments, especially those featuring Lola, and it’s a great reminder that everyone deserves to be accepted for who they are. While the ending is predictable, the journey is well worth taking.

Audience Reactions

Chiwetel Ejiofor’s performance as Lola is unforgettable and hilarious.: The heartwarming story about acceptance and finding your place in the world is inspiring.

The music and choreography are fantastic, especially the Milan fashion show sequence.: The film is funny, feel-good, and perfect for a lighthearted movie night.

Overall Consensus: Kinky Boots is a charming and feel-good film that is loved by audiences for its heartwarming story, strong performances, and celebration of individuality. While predictable, its message of acceptance and uplifting spirit make it a worthwhile watch.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on a true story of a shoe factory in Northamptonshire that started producing fetish footwear to save the business.”
• “Chiwetel Ejiofor’s performance as Lola was widely praised, with many considering it a standout role in his career.”
• “The filmmakers visited the real factory that inspired the story to gain authenticity in the set design and manufacturing processes depicted in the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Kinky Boots?

Currently, ‘Kinky Boots’ can be streamed on platforms such as Paramount Plus. You can also rent or purchase the movie on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Kinky Boots, you might like these similar films:

• The Full Monty (1997): Features a group of working-class men who find an unconventional way to save their livelihoods, similar to the factory workers in Kinky Boots.
• Billy Elliot (2000): Deals with breaking societal expectations and pursuing one’s passion against the odds, with a working-class setting like Kinky Boots.
• Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994): Celebrates drag culture and self-expression, showcasing the flamboyant and heartwarming journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

🛒 Kinky Boots Related Products

• Kinky Boots: The Musical [Blu-ray]: Experience the Tony Award-winning musical adaptation of Kinky Boots on Blu-ray! Relive the music and the heartwarming story of Charlie and Lola in a stunning stage performance.
• Kinky Boots Inspired T-Shirt – ‘Just Be’ Design: Show your support for individuality with this ‘Just Be’ t-shirt, inspired by Lola’s empowering message in Kinky Boots. Features a stylish design and comfortable fit.
• Kinky Boots: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Relive the unforgettable music of Kinky Boots with the official soundtrack. Features classic songs and original compositions that perfectly capture the film’s energy and emotion.
• Kinky Boots Inspired Coffee Mug – ‘Burgundy Is The Colour of Hot Water Bottles’: Start your day with a dose of Lola’s wisdom with this coffee mug. Featuring the iconic quote from the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

Kinky Boots features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Prettiest Star” – performed by David Bowie
• “Whatever Lola Wants” – performed by Gottlieb Wallisch

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

KINKY BOOTS – “Raise You Up” – International Pride Cast Reunion 2020

This ‘Raise You Up’ reunion performance brings together the Kinky Boots family from around the world! It’s so cool to see the different casts uniting, and the song is as uplifting as ever – definitely worth a watch for some feel-good vibes.

‘Sex Is In The Heel’ Matt Henry | Kinky Boots

Matt Henry absolutely kills it as Lola in this performance of ‘Sex Is In The Heel’! If you want a taste of the amazing energy of the Kinky Boots stage show, you HAVE to check this out. I promise you’ll be dancing along in no time.

“Bigger!” | Neil Patrick Harris | 2013 Tony Awards Opening

Want to see the cast of Kinky Boots take over the Tony Awards? This opening number is seriously epic, and shows just how huge the show became. You can’t miss this performance, even if it’s just to see the elaborate costumes!

✨ Rate