My Beautiful Laundrette (1986)

Omar is a young Pakistani business man who convinces his uncle to let him clean up a rundown launderette and manage it.  To assist him in his endeavor he takes on his secret lover, Johnny, a street-wise thug he's known since childhood.  Directed by Stephen Frears and written by Hanif Kureishi this was one of Working Title's first productions.  While an excellent exploration of class, race, sexuality and '80s economics in London, I can't say this film kept my interest that much.  There are some wonderful moments and Omar and Johnny's relationship is fascinating on many levels but the film never seems to have a strong narrative destination.   I never felt invested in the success of the business or the various relationships to care.  I wanted to like this film more than I actually did.  Grade: B-