Viewed in
2009 (2)
Premise
Based on a novel about young man from the slums of Mumbai forced to confront his past while playing a popular game show.
Who should watch
Those in the mood for a little bit of everything.
Thoughts
I loved this fantastic story full of drama, humor, sadness, violence, and romance.
At first, I thought the structure of the main character flashbacking with every game show question was gimmicky. Then I was drawn into the characters and their conflicts, culminating into an emotional payoff of a climax.
Some other things I enjoyed: the sobering imagery of Middle Eastern poverty, director Danny Boyle letting the story tell itself without overusing his kinetic style, and Irrfan Khan (from 'The Namesake') in such a different role. After watching this and 'Gran Torino', I like the influx and exposure of quality Asian actors in good roles.
I highly recommend this wonderful modern fairy tale.
What I would change
I would have taken out M.I.A.'s 'Paper Airplanes' song in one of the scene. It was over-played, and kind of took me out of the film for that segment. Plus, it made me reminisce KROQ's Kevin & Bean's parody.
Spoiler!
I heard some criticism of the dance number at the end. I thought it was totally appropriate, as the film was somewhat of a tribute to Bollywood. The film was not exactly realistic, so actors breaking character to do a dance number was hardly a show-stopper.
