So I was going to wait until after SM won itself a bunch of Oscars, but I think I better get this out of the way.
I don’t like the movie; I don’t hate it. I feel, at the most, lukewarm about it. Much of the criticism (re slums) is silly. Even with a White director, the film is still pretty Indian, complete with fatalism, scar and unremitting love.
Eh, I don’t even have the energy to construct a proper argument about the film. I would like to say, however, that Frieda Pinto seems to know how to dress for the red carpet unlike other Indian women who hit the international scene.
PS Watch Dev D.
Really? Sara and I were waiting to watch it, it has not come out yet in Malaysia, but we heard rave reviews.
The thing that really bugged me was their romance, the way he doggedly pursued her made her seem like some lame plot device. The only character of interest was the conflicted older brother.
And as always forest gump flashbacks + insane fixation on a girl are boring ways to build a story, but a great way to fish for oscars. Same cock and bull used for Benji Button.
@ Nick
Well, it’s not a bad movie necessarily. Some of the scripting is very tight and the kids perform quite well. But I’ve heard this term “grandma movie” thrown at the film and it’s quite apt. At every point, you know what’s going to happen and you also know you’re going to be happy at the end of it.
You should watch it. It’s fun. Just not great or worth remembering for long periods of time.
@ Qishin
I agree re Saleem. The kid who played Saleem was stunning, really. It’s easy for kids to be cute, but this one managed to be nasty and still look out for his brother. And his character in general is far better movie material.
Much as I love Cate Blanchett, the ugly feelings I have for Brad Pitt mean that I will most likely not watch Benjamin Button. Oh well.
‘Slumdog Millionaire’ Wins Best Picture
“Slumdog Millionaire” won the top prize at the 81st annual
Academy Awards ceremony, as well as awards for directing,
adapted screenplay, original score, film editing, original
song, sound mixing and cinematography.
Kate Winslet won the prize for best actress for “The Reader.”
Sean Penn won the prize for best actor for “Milk.”
Also perfunctory.
Hah, you don’t need to tell me. I actually watched the whole thing. I love the drama and the dresses.
I wasn’t expecting that!!
Oh, I’m a big TV fan. I watch all sorts of crap.
[...] Slumdog Millionaire, Danny Boyle, 2008, English/Hindi (India) [...]
[...] watched Slumdog Millionaire earlier this year and have already commented on it. While at first I had lukewarm feelings about it, I now find its politics disgusting. (I tend to agree with Tarun [...]