Thursday, January 29, 2009

Slumdog Millionaire


Two friends suggested, separately, that I see Slumdog Millionaire. They both said it was amazing, but they both also said the first 20-30 minutes were extremely difficult to watch. “Just close your eyes through that part.”
Beyond that, I knew absolutely nothing about this film. Nothing. Not even the premise.
I watched the film with my vision blocked only by my own tears. I was instantly thrown back to Mumbai, India, a hellish vacation I first took in July ‘07 when I read “A Fine Balance” by Rohinton Mistry. It was, in fact, extremely difficult to watch, but oh so necessary. Slumdog Millionaire was brilliantly filmed and beautifully told. I immediately felt deep admiration and compassion for it’s young characters. Feeling their unbearable angst, as well as their childish boldness and conviction. I laughed and sobbed and openly cheered!
Slumdog Millionaire is a fairy tale in the rawest sense that drags itself through modern day sludge only to stand like a freshly polished Rupee coin in the end.
Watch it. Feel it.
Absorb the grit, the horror, the brutality. Because you will only fully appreciate the passion, hope, and sheer determination if you do so.
Go to the film and watch it with your eyes wide open!

4 comments:

My Little Room In The Corner said...

Now I have to go see it. Sometimes you really piss me off, ya know that?!

Anonymous said...

Did you blog about your trip to India? I want to hear more. I've always wanted to go, even though everybody says its one of the hardest and most life-changing trips you'll ever make.(and OK I'll see the movie too.)

Anonymous said...

As you know I LOVED this movie, but certain scenes are completely disturbing...no way can I watch anyone, espcially children, beaten/abused or disfigured. Fortunately the scenes went quickly so I could uncover my eyes and enjoy this year's best film!

Anonymous said...

So good! I really loved it, but I took a friend with me, and (as you would say), bless her heart. She didn't know what it was about, and thought we were going to see some sort of Shopaholic-type chick flick. Poor girl never even saw it comin'...