Critical Projection Dirty Pretty Things: A Threatening Refuge By
Jules Brenner Aug 1, 2003 - 1:10:00 PM  Director: Stephen Frears
Producer(s): Tracey Seaward, Robert Jones Screenwriter(s):
Steven Knight Stars: Audrey Tautou, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sergi
Lopez, Sophie Okonedo Cinematographer: Chris Menges MPAA Rating:
R Release: June 18, 2003 (U.S.) Running time: 94 Minutes LOS
ANGELES—In a season of competing big budget blockbusters,
Stephen Frears, a literate film director if there ever was one,
graces our movie screens with a fine, if depressing, character
thriller. His film has everything the discerning moviegoer might
look for: engrossing story, outstanding cast, incisive
directing, subtle development, and the right length. If it were
a novel it could do no better in focusing on what it might be
like to be an immigrant seeking refuge in the safe harbor of a
multicultural society where secrecy is currency.   Okwe
(Chiwetel Ejiofor) is an articulate cab driver soliciting fares
at a London airport. But, then, whe