Slumdog Millionaire

Fuzz · Post by **Fuzz** » 8th Dec, '08, 21:13

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'Slumdog Millionaire' is a typical rags-to-riches story, using the slums of Bombay/Mumbai as the backdrop, as well as 'Who Wants to Be A Millionaire'.

Even though it is an Indian movie, the director is actually Danny Boyle, the guy behind 28 Days and Trainspotting. The movie is gritty and attempts to portray India as it is - with its smells, mess, religious tension, poverty as well as the excitement, the smiles, and the dreams of the people.

Slumdog Millionaire traces the story of Jamal Malik who enters 'Who Wants to Be A Millionaire' and can answer every question that is asked. Is he a cheat? How could be a 'chai-walla' (tea maker), be that smart? The key theme is interweaved with a love story between Jamal and his childhood sweetheart, Latika, and the relationship between Jamal and his older brother, Salim.

The actor playing Jamal as a boy is really charming - watch out for the scene when he tries to get Amitabh Bachan's signature.

Highly recommended.

4.5 / 5.

skank-la · Post by **skank-la** » 10th Dec, '08, 06:46

The critics here in LA are raving about this flick.

I haven't been able to see it yet as its only being screened at few select cinemas around the Hollywood area which is million miles away from my side of LA

Supposedly will spread to more screens next week due to overall positive reaction to the film. Hopefully then I will see it

Where did you see it Fuzz?

Fuzz · Post by **Fuzz** » 10th Dec, '08, 16:27

I had an advanced screening ticket for two on Monday here in Adelaide - once it is played in your area, go and watch it. For me, the movie reminded me a lot of the slum in Indonesia - where the poor sometimes seem to be the most joyous people.

Kooky · Post by **Kooky** » 10th Dec, '08, 16:31

I want to see this. I'll even go to the cinema - I've got quite into it since we left Singapore.

skank-la · Post by **skank-la** » 11th Dec, '08, 01:02

Its moving into an additional 20 cinemas in LA next week-one close enough to see

'Towelhead' another fil critic fave which Kooky also recommended is coming to my neighborhood this weekend may go see it if I have the time

I'm waiting for the movie of 'Shantaram' which is being filmed Mumbai now. Since critical scenes in the book take place & helped make famous the 'Leopoldo Cafe' wonder how the recent shootings there will affect this film.

skank-la · Post by **skank-la** » 22nd Dec, '08, 12:53

This recently got nominated for 4 Golden Globes & there is now Oscar talk so it moved out to 40-50 screens in LA this week(dont know if it went National or only LA-NY). Saw it in the neighborhood. I was at lunch & going to take the Skankster home but people at lunch with us told me it would be good for him (he's almost 9) a good portion of the flick is about kids.

We both went & we both loved it. Hard to imagine Non-Indians produced & directed it.

Spent plenty of time in India in my life & I thought it was brilliant, an absolute must see.
Captured India on film like no other movie I've ever seen.
Two thumbs up.

There is even a 'shout out' to Bollywood in the ending.

Blossom · Post by **Blossom** » 22nd Dec, '08, 21:05

Just read a review today any can't wait until it's released in Singapore. Just saw it doesn't screen here until Feb...

Kooky · Post by **Kooky** » 2nd Jan, '09, 21:07

Went to see it tonight and agree it's excellent. Bittersweet.

The autograph scene was very emotional in several ways; those that have seen it know what I mean.

Zephyr · Post by **Zephyr** » 2nd Jan, '09, 22:47

The movie has certainly made waves and I can't wait to watch it. I hear it also has a fantastic music track and with A. R. Rahman and M.I. A. with her super hit Paper Planes, it's a winner all the way.

Kooky · Post by **Kooky** » 3rd Jan, '09, 05:58

Aha, I didn't know it was M.I.A.

Yes, very good indeed - I made a mental note to look it up.

edit: Some toons

http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=s ... 4&ct=title#

Zephyr · Post by **Zephyr** » 5th Jan, '09, 01:06

Just watched it. Brilliant! A definite must see in my opinion.
Captured India beautifully down to the "it is written" phrase; Fate, karma, kismet, destiny, call it what you will, it is the mindset of what nearly a billion Indians live by.

Joseph27 · Post by **Joseph27** » 11th Jan, '09, 15:18

Wanted to see this after all the rave reviews and though parts left me feeling naucious - it is a truly great film. Not giving anything away but the way the story ties in the poverty and inherent violence therein of India into one of the worlds most watched game show franchises and criss crosses the answers with Jamal Maliks journey is trully briliant story telling. Wait to the credits to come up at the end before leaving - this is one of the rare films I will give 5 stars to..... take tissues

There has been some great cinema this year - and I have watched all the major releases in contention and by far I liked this story. I liked all however Slumdog opens ones mind and makes you confront a pretty twisted world without ever losing hope. Just one foot note on Nixon Frost - its just that the preview keeps coming up at the cinemas here - the sound bite saying that Nixon committed the biggest felony in US history is outright ridiculous - he lied he cheated but boy that is a big statement

Kooky · Post by **Kooky** » 11th Jan, '09, 18:06

Oh for the benefit of anyone thinking of seeing it, you HAVE to stay for the credits!

(I always watch them anyway.)

Kooky · Post by **Kooky** » 15th Jan, '09, 09:34

Well by now we all know how well this is doing in awards season, and damn right too.

I've just come across this opinion piece and, whilst I don't agree with the overall sentiment of it - do we enjoy seeing the violence? I certainly don't, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't see it, think about it - I did, like the author, wonder why the film has been promoted as a "comedy".

Anyway, worth a quick read with your lunchtime sarnie.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/st ... 83,00.html

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