A Nigerian doctor living illegally in London and working menial jobs stumbles upon a black market operation which threatens his safety.
Director Stephen Frears was a major figure in the British independent film scene of the 1980s, with works such as My Beautiful Laundrette and Prick Up Your Ears, featuring collaborations with up-and-comers like Daniel Day-Lewis, Tim Roth, and Gary Oldman, exploring topical subjects like the immigrant experience and homosexuality. Hollywood success came with his adaptations of Dangerous Liaisons and The Grifters.
The 1990s saw Frears alternating between bigger-budget releases and independents, consistently turning to British-set stories. Screenwriter Steven Knight had worked mostly in British television before moving onto features, and his exploration of various immigrant groups seemed tailor-made for Frears.
The cast is headed by Chewitel Ejiofor (12 Years A Slave, Kinky Boots), Audrey Tautou (Amelie) in her English-language debut, Sergi López (Pan's Labyrinth) and Oscar nominee Sophie Okonedo (Hotel Rwanda).
Behind the camera is Oscar-winning cinematographer Chris Menges (The Mission, The Reader), with a musical score composed by former Shudder To Think guitarist Nathan Larson. It was filmed on location in London.
The film was a moderate success in the UK and despite no stars made $8 million in the United States. It received Academy Award and British Film Academy nominations for Knight's script, and won British Independent Film awards for Best Film, Actor (Ejiofor), Director, and Screenplay.
Running time is approximately 90 minutes.
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