Slumdog Millionaire

When I first heard of the movie, it automatically went on the "Not gonna see it" list. After all, why do I want to see a movie about the world of rap? That's what I assumed it was about. That's what the title sounds like. And I know I'm not the only one who felt that way. Then the word of mouth started. They let me know it had nothing to do with inner-city music, although it has plenty of such music in it, and plenty of the inner (and worse) parts of a big city in it, namely Mumbai. Then they said what a great movie it was. I hadn't heard word of mouth like this since "The Sixth Sense."

I went to see it. Let me tell you, you can't spend a better two hours at the theater this year. You will see real parts of a country that are devastatingly poor. The story it tells about two orphans who live there will break your heart. That these two, plus their third musketeer, can still be beautiful, while covered with dirt, sweat, and the worst that humanity produces, is testament to great filmmaking. We can be a pretty impressive species at times. But this is just part of what the director, Danny Boyle, wants to get across, that humanity can shine, while everything around it wants to dim that light.

The director also has a theme of destiny that will keep people talking. Let me give you a hint, without spoiling anything: Arminians might not like Boyle's conclusion. As a Calvinist, I thought it was great. Stepping away from the theology, anyone will enjoy this movie. This movie was destined to be great, and it is darn near perfect.

There is more to say about this movie. Maybe in a later post, after I see it again.

Parenthetically speaking, I don't know who created the trailer for the movie "Revolutionary Road," but said person should be fired.  This looks like the most depressing movie ever.  I turned to the  person  next to me and said, "There's a real pick-me-up." Her husband said, "Feel good movie of the year."  If that trailer is any indication, please try  not to slit your wrists afterwards.