Student Film Reviews

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1. Jenny Martinez 02.08.09 / 10pm

   I agree with Emelie. This film was very well done and captured, not only the poverty of the slums, but the immense dangers sorrounding involvement with certain adults in such areas, such as the man who wanted them to be blind singers. Jamal’s persistance in finding Latika was amazing to watch. Many typical films might have that obstacle of a character finding someone they love once, and he did it many times over. It was inspiring to see the joy that was still had in the children of those areas despite their immediate circumstances, which often consisted of filth and amounts of trash that are hard to imagine. It helped me to better recognize the simple luxuries we have in our everyday lives and that we so often take for granted.
2. Jake Morayniss 02.09.09 / 1pm

   I also really loved Slumdog Millionaire. It is a rags-to-riches story that is anything but conventional. One of the most outstanding elements of the film is the soundtrack. Blending hip-hop with Bollywood influences, the music effectively underscores the action. Frequent flashbacks are used to link main character Jamal’s success on the game show to the experiences of his past. All of the actors are incredibly talented. Especially noteworthy are the performances of Ayush Mahosh Khedeker and Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail as the young Jamal and Salim. Salim is a conflicted, multi-dimensional character; Modhur Mittal as the oldest Salim completely captures his complexity. The film particularly resonates with me because my grandparents are from India. Also, I saw the movie the day after the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, an event that added to the intensity of my emotional response. Slumdog Millionaire is a romance, a thriller, a fantasy and an adventure story all rolled into one. I really think that everyone should see this film.
3. Erik Holback 07.03.09 / 2pm

   This review says it all in a succinct manner. The story line in this movie is consistent, but has interesting twists throughout. The depictions of slum life in India held my interest. It is hard to believe children live that way. My friend just returned from studying in India, and she said there really are blind and maimed children begging in the streets. Somewhat scary for Americans to see, but this unimaginable situation is apparently commonplace in parts of India.

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