I watched Slumdog Millionaire last night. Some people had said it was overrated, but Metacritic and Rotten Tomatoes indicate that most people loved it. Roger Ebert gave it about as good a review as he ever gives any movie.
Anyone going into the movie should go in with the thought that while the circumstances faced by the characters are realistic (and at times difficult to watch), the plot is somewhat fantastical. I think a lot of people who came out disappointed did so because they didn’t expect a fairy tale.
The movie reminded me most of season four of The Wire. It’s a story about kids trying to make it on their own — making choices few adults will ever have to make.
The most interesting aspect of the movie is the relationship between the two brothers. It’s the story of Cain and Abel, told in long form.
In short, I loved the movie. I haven’t seen enough movies this year to know if it deserves the best picture award, but it’s certainly the best movie I’ve seen in quite some time.
January 26, 2009 at 7:20 pm
“I haven’t seen enough movies this year to know if it deserves the best picture award…”
Having seen all the contenders this year, I’m confident that it is the best picture. And I like both of your parallels — The Wire:Season 4, and Cain and Abel. Very apt in different ways.