The 20th century is often referred to as the century of rising cities and of an urbanisation of society due to factors like the Industrialisation, which had a tremendous influence on society. In the beginning 21st century, those developments have even gained in speed and dimension, while further impacts and consequences of this process can only vaguely be anticipated. Moreover, the term ‘globalisation’ can literally be found at every corner. As a result of this long-lasting trend, huge metropolises have been constructed all over the globe. One of them, namely London, will be in the centre of this term paper. Yet, the focus will lie more on some individuals than on the great mass of people living in such a city, as I will examine the portrayal of the main protagonists of the movie titled Dirty Pretty Things (2002), directed by Stephen Frears. I am going to analyse the movie, which must be seen just like any other literary genre, with the focus on its content.
The drama Dirty Pretty Things portraits the faith of undocumented – and hence illegal – immigrants to Great Britain and their gloomy everyday-life with an ever insecure future of being allowed to stay in their chosen residence or not. Always hiding and being forced to adapt to other lifestyles with different customs, traditions, or a different language – or generally speaking, another culture – their identity is put into question. Being deeply despaired and seeing no other chances for an improved life, some even risk to sacrifice a kidney for the opportunity of a passport, which is the main issue of Dirty Pretty Things. Can the protagonists Okwe and Senay cope with those difficult circumstances? And how does their identity develop in such an environment of exploitation and assimilation? Can they maintain their cultural roots and form a diaspora, or will they break to pieces under the immense pressure surrounding them?
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Immigration Issues in England
- A Look at the Concept of 'Diaspora'
- Excursion: Legislation on Transplantation of Organs
- Examining the Issue of Trading Organs against Passports in Dirty Pretty Things
- An Introduction to Dirty Pretty Things
- The Exploitation of Illegal Immigrants
- Illegal Trading in Dirty Pretty Things
- The Issue of Finding an Identity in the Movie
- Social Implications on the Protagonists
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This term paper examines the portrayal of illegal immigrants in Stephen Frears' 2002 film Dirty Pretty Things. The main objective is to analyze how the film portrays the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants in London, including their struggle for identity, exploitation, and the risk of organ trafficking.
- The impact of globalization and urbanization on the lives of immigrants in London.
- The exploitation of illegal immigrants in the service industry.
- The search for identity and belonging in a multicultural society.
- The ethics and consequences of organ trafficking.
- The role of government policies and legislation in shaping immigrant experiences.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter introduces the context of the film, highlighting the rapid urbanization and globalization of the 21st century. It focuses on the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants in a metropolis like London, specifically those struggling with identity, exploitation, and the possibility of organ trafficking.
Chapter 2 dives into the broader issue of immigration in England, particularly focusing on the impact of globalization and its consequences. It examines the legal framework surrounding immigration and asylum, including the Asylum and Immigration Act. This chapter also addresses the historical context of Commonwealth immigration and its impact on British society, outlining the complexities of multiculturalism and its challenges.
The third chapter directly focuses on the film Dirty Pretty Things. It introduces the main characters and plot, examining the exploitation of undocumented immigrants in the film, particularly within the service industry. The chapter delves into the illegal organ trafficking network operating in London and the ways in which it impacts the protagonists' lives. This chapter also analyzes the characters' search for identity within a hostile environment, exploring their attempts to maintain their cultural roots and navigate the challenges of assimilation.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key concepts in this paper are: globalization, urbanization, immigration, illegal immigration, exploitation, identity, diaspora, organ trafficking, multiculturalism, London, Dirty Pretty Things, and Stephen Frears.
- Quote paper
- Sebastian Oehme (Author), 2008, "Trading Organs against Passports" - The Search for Identity in Dirty Pretty Things (2002), Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/149528