a film that will show you another world

Rating: Null/10 (25 November 2008)

This is a wonderful film that is a thrilling movie experience. The art of film is so fantastic because it combines elements of painting, uses music, is like the theater but beyond it, and has a magical metaphorical level as well. This film is an excellent example of this multi-level art form. The story is a simple one about a lost child. and his fate in the world. Set in the sprawling slums of Bombasy (Mumbai), the plot is based on a Charles Dickens like melodrama. The other part of the story deals with the consequences of the child's early life. The whole story line is driven by an absolute wonderful energy that is really irresistible. I found myself drifting only at the very end when I felt the whole machine had simply run out of time and plausibility. Never the less, this is film is a delight that should not be missed. Luckily I was able to watch it with a friend of Indian heritage, and I think she will be able to answer some of the deeper cultural questions that it poses. What is sure is that few films move across such a rainbow tapestry of cultural, political and artistic canvases with such verve and power. I wish there was something this fun to watch every week.