Slumdog Millionaire
Posted by: bob atherton on 23 January 2009
Two nights ago I saw Slumdog Millionaire with some friends. I must say that it is one of the finest films I have ever seen. I was transported to India and the richness of the imagery and the involvement of the excellent plot transcended normal cinema.
It is an intelligent film without being up its own backside. A perfect 10/10 in my book.
It is an intelligent film without being up its own backside. A perfect 10/10 in my book.
Posted on: 23 January 2009 by Adam Meredith
I saw this over Christmas and it is probably the most deserving of a BAFTA. It manages to be a film in India without using India solely as an exotic background or, and this may be an area of debate, an Indian film.
I heard the book on which it is based dramatised on BBC Radio 4 and the film improves immensely on the simple underlying plot idea as portrayed simply through the words.
On the other hand - I just loved "In Bruges". I cannot see quite why "The Strange Case of Benjamin Button" is getting so much attention. It is a moderately diverting film but all who watched it here wondered what the "point" was.
I heard the book on which it is based dramatised on BBC Radio 4 and the film improves immensely on the simple underlying plot idea as portrayed simply through the words.
On the other hand - I just loved "In Bruges". I cannot see quite why "The Strange Case of Benjamin Button" is getting so much attention. It is a moderately diverting film but all who watched it here wondered what the "point" was.
Posted on: 23 January 2009 by Wolf2
I've not seen it but I want to. Same with In Bruges, I was too busy with my aging parents to see many films this fall. I did see the French film Since I loved You and thought it excellent, slow starting but wonderful story unraveled. Some friends were horrified. great role for KS Thomas.
I also saw Doubt, well done. I'll take these over a cheap action film any day.
I also saw Doubt, well done. I'll take these over a cheap action film any day.
Posted on: 23 January 2009 by gone
We went to see Slumdog the other day and it's a terrific film. I'm not qualified to judge whether the slum conditions they illustrated were/are close to reality, but if it's only 10% true, it's truly shocking.
But I loved the ending (as the titles were running) - somehow it all fitted together
Don't miss this one
But I loved the ending (as the titles were running) - somehow it all fitted together
Don't miss this one
Posted on: 23 January 2009 by Derek Wright
I saw Slumdog before Christmas and also heard the Radio 4 serialisation of it several months ago.
Assuming the representation of the call centre was accurate it did not give outsourcing a good name - nor did it give the tourist industry a boost - although I read in the papers recently that slum tours are in vogue because of the film.
Assuming the representation of the call centre was accurate it did not give outsourcing a good name - nor did it give the tourist industry a boost - although I read in the papers recently that slum tours are in vogue because of the film.
Posted on: 23 January 2009 by anderson.council
quote:Originally posted by Adam Meredith:
On the other hand - I just loved "In Bruges". I cannot see quite why "The Strange Case of Benjamin Button" is getting so much attention. It is a moderately diverting film but all who watched it here wondered what the "point" was.
Hear hear. We saw Benjamin Button on it's day of release - I really wish I'd waited for a review though as it's 3 hours of my life gone forever. It would have to be up there with "Eyes Wide Shut" & the 2nd of the prequel Star Wars as one of the most boring films I've ever seen. Even my other half, who is much more tolerant of second rate stuff was restless in her seat & looking at her watch - a sure sign of lack of involvement. Had it been edited down to say an hour and a half it might be different - after all it was based on a short story.
I can look forward to seeing Slumdog after the positive reviews here.
Cheers
Scott
Posted on: 23 January 2009 by Adam Meredith
quote:Originally posted by Derek Wright:
Assuming the representation of the call centre was accurate it did not give outsourcing a good name - nor did it give the tourist industry a boost.
Not entirely convinced that it was intended as just a documentary.
Posted on: 24 January 2009 by Roy T
I may not see the film as I found the pictures from the Radio 4 serialisation more than good enough for me.
Posted on: 24 January 2009 by Derek Wright
Agree with you - however Radio 4 could not conjure up the row of 3 or so open pit toilets on stilts that he has to squeeze out thru the aperture and into the collected droppings underneath - unless you are familiar with the slums.
I hope I have not given the plot away
I hope I have not given the plot away
Posted on: 24 January 2009 by nicnaim
Went to see it tonight, very impressed. It is going to win shed loads of awards and deservedly so. Fantastic pacing and tension with wonderful performances from the actors and the crew.
Do not wait until this comes to video, this is a wonderful experience in a proper cinema.
Regards
Nic
Do not wait until this comes to video, this is a wonderful experience in a proper cinema.
Regards
Nic
Posted on: 25 January 2009 by Space Bunny
quote:slum conditions they illustrated were/are close to reality
I visited a slum in Nepal in November, and would say that the portrayal of the Indian slum in SM looked pretty accurate, as far as my limited experience goes. The one I went to was situated next to a filthy, sewage filled river that people washed in and kids played in. The only thing I'd say is that as a result, the children I saw had ear/eye infections, sores and runny noses. The children in SM were dirty, but looked pretty healthy. I also saw children picking through rubbish dumps which is just as shocking. Fantastic film, will go and see it again.