Monday, January 26, 2009

Slumdog Millionaire

Another movie review, sorry. I know I need to post more than just movie reviews. I promise to do better. :)

However, don't hold it against the movie. It's fantastic. While, it doesn't shy away from some of the harsher realities of life in Bombay/Mumbai, it does manage to stay a "feel good" movie. The story is, ultimately, the story of the triumph of an underdog. I don't want to give anything away, but you immediately connect with Jamal and Latika and the ethical ambiguity of Salim keeps you guessing, is he a good guy, a bad guy, something in between? The way the story unfolds through a series of flashbacks anchored to the questions and answers during Jamal's appearance on "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" is interesting and unique. And, in spite of all of the hoopla and Oscar buzz, it still managed to have me on the edge of my seat, which I guess also shows I didn't know the answer to the question. Once you've seen the movie, you'll realize just how embarrassing that it is.

3 comments:

Trix in the Stix said...

And no matter what Heather tells you... it is NOT a Bollywood movie!

She had me questioning what I thought a Bollywood movie was the entire movie!

Chandu said...

The storyline of how the protagonist knew the answers, because of many memories that are burning, cold and sweet, is simply superb. But it's the prejudiced image of India, which spreads from the portrayal of the Mumbai underbelly to the doors of the Taj, that makes the movie just another picturisation of the great Indian poverty.

Anonymous said...

I'm embarrassed I assumed it would have dancing and singing but at least they treated us to a number at the end!

It was a great movie.