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| Movie Review: Slumdog Millionaire Alternate Title: Rags to Riches
Story: You must see this exhilarating
film. It is by far, the most feel good and at the same time, most exhausting
production of the year. It was directed by Danny Boyle
(Trainspotting, 28 Days Later, Millions, The Beach) and written
by Simon Beaufoy (The Full Monty), based on
the novel “Q & A” by Vikas Swarup.
The over the top melodramatic aspects should make you want to run from
the theater but because of the extraordinary talent in the film making
process you will find yourself accepting the whole unbelievable tale
- lock, stock and barrel.
An 18 year old destitute orphan, finds himself on India's version of
'Who Wants to be a Millionaire' verging on winning the top prize. How
he got to this point is revealed in flashbacks while he is being interrogated
at a police station because it was believed that a man of his low class
stature could not possibly know the answers to all of the questions.
I will not spoil anything for you but let me say that life lessons
on the street are definitely underestimated in this tale of triumph.
Are there holes in the plot? Most definitely. Are there stretches of
disbelief? Of course. Will you find yourself cheering for our young
hero? Absolutely. The story telling is first rate as are all of the
production values up and down the line.
Treat yourself this holiday season and see this feel good film - but
be warned - there are some very difficult to watch sequences that involve
children of the streets.
Watch the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIzbwV7on6Q
Watch director Danny Boyle discuss the challenges
of shooting a film in India:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJRzk2WfOAo Acting: British Dev Patel as Jamal,
the Slumdog Millionaire, was absolutely perfect. The young actor who
played Jamal as a boy was precious - Ayush Mahesh Khedekar.
Model, turned actor Freida Pinto did her part
adequately as Latika. Rubina Ali as the youngest Latika
was adorable. Madhur Mittal as older brother Salim
was believable. Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail as the youngest
Salim was terrific. Anil Kapoor as TV moderator, Prem
was great as was the always good Irrfan Khan as the
Police Inspector.
Trivia: Some of director Danny Boyle's
trademarks are employed in this film including, the opening shot is
usually a shot taken from the middle of the movie. He often uses electronic
music in his films. He often uses places, characters, actors or references
to and relating to Scotland (in one of the more hilarious sequences)
and the use of a kinetic camera (which work beautifully in the many
chase scenes in the film).
Predilection: I like all things Indian.
Critters: There were surprisingly few critters considering
the film was shot in India. But we did see some dogs and chickens.
Food: A sandwich, rice, nan bread.
Sex Spectrum: No sex - it is a film that takes place
in India (but sex is definitely implied).
Soundtrack: Wonderfully frenetic.
Opening Titles: A fast montage of disjointed scenes
that capture your immediate interest.
Visual Art: India is a visual delight and was captured
beautifully (even the squalor) by director of photography, Anthony
Dod Mantel
Theater Audience: Pretty crowded for the first show
on a Monday.
Sappy Factor: 0
Squirm Scale: 2 - There are scenes where I flinched,
winced and closed my eyes. (Nothing bad happens to any animals - just
children).
Drift Factor: I was captivated throughout.
Predictability Level: High
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: Yes
Big Screen or Rental: Big screen for sure.
Length: Under two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 9
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