Thursday, January 22, 2009

'Slumdog' Cleans Up

Yes, back on November 30 we also reviewed Slumdog Millionaire which has already won the Golden Globe award and which today became the runner-up for Oscar nominations just behind Benjamin Button.
Frankly, we fould 'Slumdog' assualtive and relentless but we did admit that we were in the minority and that the movie had become an 'international sensation.'
Here's what we said:
'Slumdog' is indeed a powerful tale that centers on one of the three orphans who grows up to become a champion on the India TV version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?The film is told in a serious of flashbacks and it is graphic beyond belief.
We journey through the slums of India as our protagonist is beaten, scarred, intimidated, abused, starved, orphaned and at one point even enveloped in human waste.
Danny Boyle's direction of this extraordinarily vivid tale is relentlessly assaultive. It's loud, often manipulative and ultimately overwhelming. The moments of subtlety are few and far between. . . .
The major performances by a young cast of Indian actors are wonderful. And the film certainly does grab and keep your attention.
Will 'Slumdog' best 'Button' for the Best Picture prize?
I suppose that depends on whether Hollywood wants to go global and send a love letter to the world ('Slumdog') or hunker down to its American roots ('Button').

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