spirituality defeats materialism

Rating: 9/10 (24 February 2009)

Wow, that is some beast of a movie. I mean, it can be analysed and commented on from various points of view, there are a few layers in it, it is rich, whether structurally and technically, or story-wise. It is even difficult to describe it in a few words, a film depicting acts of violence, including against children, the extreme poverty and humiliation, yet leaving one with a good feeling at the end. A piece of real life melodrama without a hint of melodramatic cheap effects, a story told in a western modern way yet reaching for the Bollywood or soap-melodramas inspiration and their simple stories about basic human yearnings and feelings. A modern story which is Dickensian in scope and method. Not to mention the invigorating, flawless musical score, the direction and editing. The only moment I raised my eyebrows was when the brother of the main hero had the sudden change of heart and character which, I do not think, is likely in real life, but I guess they wanted to show how religion played a part in his spiritual being and also defend the film a bit in the eyes of the Muslim community. Nothing wrong with that, I guess. I also doubt that the feelings of 10-year olds can win the test of time, especially in harrowing circumstances. The main theme of the film for me is the duality of human existence: the material and the spiritual inner life, with Boyle showing himself to be an idealist, a romantic on the side of the spiritual, the film juxtaposing in a striking manner the stark, brutal poverty and humiliation on the one hand and the persisting purity of thought, feelings and actions of the main pair on the other. They suffered so much since early childhood, yet their love is pure and conquers all. I know, it sound corny, yet the marvel of this film is that it works just fine!