Slumdog Millionaire

[poliphilo]

The story is traditional fairytale- a carcass on which to hang a slap-bang-whallop impression of modern India. The characters are types- he's the widow's son, she's the princess in the castle. Alternatively he's Nicholas Nickleby and she's Madeline Bray; neither of them  particularly interesting in themselves. The character who does interest me is the older brother- who plays both good and evil angel- alternately thwarting and rescuing the lovers.  If they were always destined to find one another, then he's the agent of destiny- and his final words- as he dies in a bathtub full of rupees having saved them one last time- more than hint at something metaphysical going on.

It's a feelgood movie that never glosses over the horrors it goes streaking through. I love the energy- and the colour. And what a stroke of brilliance to regognise- and use- the mythic structure of the TV gameshow.

Comments

[zeeshanmn.livejournal.com]

Not all Indians felt demeaned. Slumdog has been quite a hit here and it has been pretty popular. Here is what I have to say about hating it.

Firstly, the section of Indians who raised their voice about the filth shown in the movie was a minority compared to those who have accepted the acclaim of the film. The hatred has eventually died down.

The second thing is that it is not about the world "already" knowing about the appalling conditions in Indian cities. It is that we Indians are blindly nationalistic and sensitive. We don't bother the grime and dirt during our everyday work, but we are careful to censor the rights of Hollywood or whoever to showcase only what is necessary.

[calizen.livejournal.com]

What an interesting person you are! I am so glad you wrote this comment. It lets me know more about what is happening in India. Thank you so much.