Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gritty crime thriller highlights exploitation of immigrants.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Dirty Pretty Things
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In DIRTY PRETTY THINGS, Nigerian immigrant Okwe (Chiwetel Ejiofor) works two jobs to make ends meet—as a taxi driver and receptionist at an upmarket London hotel. Living in constant fear of deportation, he sleeps on the couch of fellow hotel worker Senay (Audrey Tautou), a Turkish woman whose asylum application is being reviewed. The pair keep their heads down and their eyes forward, until Okwe discovers disturbing evidence of a murder and is pulled into a criminal underworld that appears to trap them further—but could also lead to their freedom.
Is It Any Good?
Critically acclaimed—including receiving an Oscar nod for its screenplay—this well-crafted British crime thriller is a disturbing but hopeful movie that won't fail to make an impact. Dirty Pretty Things boasts a strong cast, who give unwavering performances throughout. Ejiofor made his first major splash as the lead, portraying the complex role of a man attempting to live under the radar who must wrestle with his morals when his eyes are opened to a horrific criminal underworld. Fellow Oscar nominee Sophie Okonedo has a supporting but memorable role as sex worker Juliette, and Tautou takes on her first English-speaking character—all with great success. In a world controlled by people who are out for themselves, connection is at the heart of the film, and much of what will keep viewers interested is the warm relationship between Okwe and Senay, but also the other "unseen" characters that move in their hidden circles.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how immigrant experiences were portrayed in Dirty Pretty Things. How did characters' immigration statuses affect the way they lived their lives? How were they trapped? What difficult moral decisions did they have to make to protect themselves and others?
Talk about the movie's violence. Did it feel excessive, or just right for the tone of the movie? What were the effects of violence on the characters? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Discuss the use of strong language in the movie. What did it contribute to the story? Is a certain level of language expected in a film like this? If so, why?
How did characters show perseverance, integrity, and empathy? How were they loyal to each other? Why are these important character traits? Can you think of times in our own life that you've shown any of these?
How did the movie portray sex and relationships? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 18, 2003
- On DVD or streaming : March 23, 2004
- Cast : Chiwetel Ejiofor , Audrey Tautou , Sophie Okonedo
- Director : Stephen Frears
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Miramax
- Genre : Thriller
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual content, disturbing images and language
- Awards : Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee
- Last updated : February 19, 2026
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