Movie Night

One silver lining to the cloud of rarely going out on dates is that when we do, we usually have a ton of movies to choose from. Last night we went out for the first time in a few months and had a not-so-short list of at least a half-dozen movies we're eager to see. I really had my heart set on seeing "Slumdog Millionaire," and it was playing at a convenient time at our favorite theater (the West Newton Cinema, which shows lots of indies and foreign films and puts real butter on their popcorn!), and Andy acquiesced. It's not that he didn't want to see it, but he was in the mood for an action movie, like "Taken" or "Defiance." I prevailed this time, but I like shoot-em-ups too, so next time we can go that route.

We both really liked "Slumdog." It's on the one hand a feel-good movie that never strays from formula—or, rather, formulas, since this is both a rags-to-riches story and a love story. On the other, it's a truly distressing window onto the cruel poverty so much of India has lived in for eons. Few punches are pulled, and I did find myself covering my face a few times during the most upsetting scenes. But at other moments I was laughing and cheering, and by the end I was feeling more uplifted than not—although, to be sure, some of the most disturbing images and themes will linger with me for a long time.

I don't know much about movie-making, but something about the cinematography—which was nearly all done with hand-held cameras, due to the close quarters in the Mumbai slums—worked like magic. The editing was fast-paced and exhilarating, switching back and forth from the present to the past without causing any confusion. It must all be due to director Danny Boyle, who somehow told this story with originality and honesty but never sacrificed realism or suspense.

And, for those of you who love traditional Bollywood movies (of which this is most definitely not an example), there's a real treat for you at the end. But that's all I'll say. Go see it yourself, if you're among the last few who haven't had a chance yet or didn't think you'd like it.

Comments

[Deborah]

I had the same kind of reaction to Pursuit of Happyness. I thought about it for weeks afterward. I didn't agree with all of the decisions his character made, but many of the scenes were either heartbreaking or funny. I don't know how much they kept to the real story, but the movie was definitely a thought-provoker.

[amy]

We talked about this movie at my book group yesterday. The kids who played the main characters as young children were not actors, they were kid that were living in the slums. They were paid very little (in our terms anyhow, $5000 I think) that they would only receive if they went to school. The main male character noted that at the premiere in India, the young Latika girl came and spoke to him in English (he from England) and he was so pleased because it meant that she was actually going to school as they hoped.

[Di]

I loved it too...even talked my daughter and her friend into seeing it with me...kind of a payback for all the Disney movies I took them to.

One of my favorite books of all time gives an incredible portrayal of India...A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry. I first read it in 2001 and read it again in 2004. (I think the second time was for a book group...I don't usually read books a second time.)

[Kerri]

I think I'm the only person in the world who hated this movie. I just couldn't get past all the upsetting stuff. I finally will admit to my husband (who loved it) that the movie itself was well done, but I just didn't enjoy watching it. If I could turn back time, I wouldn't go see it. I tear up just thinking about those poor little kids, and I want to kick his brother in the groin repeatedly. I felt sick for a few hours after leaving.

Not to say I only go for chick flicks, but I just can't stomach that much human suffering. That is the main reason I will never watch any Holocaust-related movies. I know that it happened, and I know that conditions in India really are that deplorable. But with a small child, I only get so many opportunities to see a movie, and I guess I'd rather not see one that is so upsetting!