Unlike "Columbus," I am not an anglophile.
29 August 2003
Strike it up to Irish ancestry.

In any case, this strangely titled film is excellent. I do not believe this space is appropriate for in extenso relation of plot as do so many other users, but yes, DIRTY PRETTY THINGS is a skillful combination of love story and a "thriller." (There is only one point which leaves me a mite confused from early in the story.) It is also more, a dual commentary important for our time: a) the "immigrant question." b) the implications of a runaway technology.

In "a" we routinely make use of -- as in Use -- people who are otherwise unwanted. DIRTY PRETTY gives such blokes face and a sympathetic hearing. As for "b," before 1970 this would be solid science fiction, called "gritty" per that silly term meaning grim. Hello twenty-first century! Fiction no more . . ..

In broad social commentary this story is depressing. Personal triumphs rising from the mess, however, give us hope.
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