My friend Glen and I saw Slumdog Millionaire this afternoon. The movie made me cry like an idiot — which can only mean that it was very, very good. I’m not one of those sappy people who cry at the drop of a hat.
Slumdog Millionaire took me to a place that I’ve never been, the slums of India. It is about an Indian boy who grows up in the worst possible conditions. Then, he becomes a contestant on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
The difference between life in America and life in India is made obvious by what winning a TV game show means to the common folks. It won’t simply mean being able to buy a bigger house and a more expensive car. For the hero, winning means the freedom to be with the girl he loves. This is a film that enlightens us about just how difficult life can be in other parts of the world.
I absolutely fell in love with the young actor who played the main character. Dev Patel is certain to become a big star in American films. He’s not a typical leading man. But, he’s got more charm and natural ability than any young actor I’ve seen in years.
For those of you who don’t like “foreign” films, don’t worry about this one. It is 90% in English and you won’t have any trouble understanding the actors.
Like all Indian films, it does have a big dance number. However, it is performed during the closing credits rather than in the middle of the movie. Personally, I don’t think putting the dance number in the middle of the film would have been a mistake. It could have been a dream sequence or something.
Slumdog Millionaire gets a rating of five Ganeshas!
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Sorry buddy...you've been tagged!
My lady lived in India for a while and has firsthand experience with how tough life is there. I'll see this with her this weekend. I'm interested to get her take on it, too.