An ode to humanity

Rating: 10/10 (19 December 2008)

Danny Boyle does it again! While being grossly under-appreciated in Hollywood circles, this generation's answer to Frank Capra, Steven Spielberg and Francois Truffault has crafted yet another masterpiece for the Generations X and Y crowd, in the vein of "Trainspotting", "Millions" and "28 Days Later". With visuals reminiscent of "City of God", a soundtrack straight out of the hippest clubs of London and a tale which is both evocative of Charles Dickens (in it's depiction of the poor and the slums) and Sinclair Lewis (with his social commentary on "Progress" with a capital P), Boyle has finally brought India to mainstream Hollywood and North America. This film will become a historical document as Mumbai itself is the backdrop of the story and we witness the transformation of that city from 3rd world mega-city backwater, to being on the verge of becoming one of this century's financial and cultural hubs, along with Beijing and Dubai. As Asia takes center stage as it shakes off centuries of colonial-imposed self- doubt and lack of confidence, Boyle has masterfully delivered a narrative for the ages on the cost of progress, both morally and historically and on the redemptive power of true love. The cast of largely unknown actors were first-class with an exceptionally talented group of children. It may sound sad at first glance, a story about kids growing up in slums etc. but in actuality this is a film of exuberance, full of life, intensity and joy and to paraphrase Richard Corlis of Time, an ode to humanity. Don't wait for the DVD, see this on the big screen NOW! ( 10/10 )