Slumdog Millionaire Review

We rented this movie from Blockbuster almost a week ago.  It sat on our coffee table for days before it even dawned on me to give it a chance.  I know, it is an acclaimed movie and all, but I must admit, I detest Indian movies.

Now before you go throwing the bigot tag around, hear me out.

A Little Background

A lifetime ago when I was in college, it was my senior year and I signed up for a "fluff course" in Communications.  During a lecture, our professor let us in on a little secret.  At that time, India produced more feature-length movies than any other nation.  (They still do. )  So, to reinforce this point with us we were made to view Indian movies, non-stop for the next two weeks.

You want to talk "Waterboarding"?  Trust me, if the detainees at Guantanamo were subjected to these two weeks, they would have been signing up for waterboarding as if it were a Royal Carribean Cruise.  Grown men would have been seen crying for mommy.  We're talking bad here, really, really bad!

So, I chalked the film's popularity up to Academy's love of pissing off the average movie-goer.

But Know What?

I owe the producers, directors and actors a huge apology.  "Excuuuuuuuuuse me!"  This movie was riveting.  Great casting, great directing and some really wonderful cinematography.  I'm known for nodding off during anything but a terrific movie.  I'm still not sure I blinked during the entire film.

This movie takes you through the tortured route that a young man was forced to endure to be able to answer all the questions asked him during his appearance on India's version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire.  (That's all you get from me.  No spoilers here.)

The present and past are expertly woven into an incredible journey and there are no loose-ends left by the end of the film.  As the credits roll, you may just sit there speechless.

My Viewpoint

This is a must-see movie.  However I have to warn you.  There a several scenes in the movie that could (hell, should) upset you.  Prepare for them.  My only beef  with the movie was the use occasionally of subtitles.  If these subtitles were any smaller they would rival the inscription on your wedding band.  Fortunately if you are warned and pay attention you should be OK.  This movie is a rare gem.  See it.

Regards,

Rudi