Really good, and tragic

Rating: 8/10 (18 January 2009)

Hi,
I have been reading the good and bad reviews of this. I hope this might appease the people, especially Indians, who found it insulting to your culture.
I want you to know that I, and I am sure many others, will not assume that the 'slums' could sway people to assume that this is the general picture of India, and not be different to many other countries with poverty issues. All countries, however varying, have their slums and wealth, have stupid people bent on power trips, be it with money or with religion. Please, do not think that one commercial film can depict a country in a lesser state than others. I read someone here write that the Chinese would never allow such a film to be released about their country. I lived in China for almost 3 years, and I believe me, in general, the power trippers there have a lot to learn, no less from India. I have never seen so many people live in poverty, and still do their best to be strong in a culture that treats its people so badly. Anyway, this is my opinion, but I have seen it first hand. I did not live in a hotel and avoid it while I was there. I will not go back to China because of it, regardless of what financial advantages I could achieve to live there.
I can tell you that, to me, this movie really brought the Bollywood style palatable to the Western viewer. It made my initial aversion of going to India become one of fascination. I have man friends who love India (I can't remember none who disliked it), where reviews of visits to China are mixed. I love the colour, love the determination of these children, and that Jamal overcomes whatever befalls him to be a confident man who gets the girl. I found his and Latika's energy really strong, particularly in the end, and the dance sequences. Above all the tragedies (please do not say they do not exist, as they do in all countries), there is this amazing joy. I see that in the India depicted in the film, above all else.
I can't watch again the scenes of horrible people exploiting children (appalling in any culture) , but do enjoy Jamal's tête-à-tête and his not being intimidated by the WWTBAM host. Some people are born with such traits; Jamal could be one.
Anyway, I love the film. Very cool. And, like the genius Chinese women I have met, the Indians show just as much distinction.
Really, do not be offended. It's really good.