Grade: A
This is a dark and poignant film that works as both a societal commentary and an emotional drama. Director Stephan Frears gives us an unflinching look at the lives of Okwe and Sevay, two immigrants living illegally in London. Both work at un upscale London hotel, Okwe as a concierge and Sevay as a maid. The story becomes messy figuratively and literally when Okwe discovers that someone has been killed - and their death covered up - in one of the hotel rooms. What follows forces Sevay and Okwe to confront not only themselves and their hidden feelings for each other, but the question they have spent their entire lives avoiding: What is the price of freedom? The murder-mystery of Dirty Pretty Things is not the theme, but rather a catalyst to engage in a character study of two people living "illegal lives," but still hoping for a better future. Two fantastic performances by Chiwetel Ejiofer and Audrey Tautou are only icing on the cake.
© 2003 Jacob Sproul
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