1019. Slumdog Millionaire

Slumdog Millionaire
2008
Directed by Danny Boyle

Before we begin, does anyone plan on watching the Oscars this year?  I haven't seen any of the nominated films except Moana.  I don't plan on watching the ceremony or most of the nominations.  But, needless to say, if "How Far I'll Go" doesn't win Best Song, I will burn this city to the ground.

Jamal Malik is an Indian Muslim competing on the Indian version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?"  He is one question away from winning but before the big moment, he is captured and tortured by the police, who suspect him of cheating.  Jamal takes us through his life, explaining how random incidents in his life led him to each answer.  By the way, as a huge Dumas fan, I would have totally crushed The Three Musketeers question.  And, of course, the hundred dollar bill question.  Other than that, I would have been lost.

Did this remind any other 1001ers of Manila: In the Claws of Light?  Just once I would like to see one of these women successfully saved themselves.  I am not saying it would be terribly realistic, but it would be a nice change.

In any case, I enjoyed this film.  I think it's a very creative premise.  I know a few of my followers attend trivia nights; I wonder if this film got you guys thinking about how you know certain things.  Honestly, most of my knowledge (outside of formal education) comes from the 1001 lists!

Obviously visually dazzling but it's Danny Boyle, so there is going to be some gross.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

The grand prize in US dollars would be $411,600.

20% of the movie's dialogue is in Hindi.

911. Trainspotting

Trainspotting
1996
Directed by Danny Boyle

I have now seen this movie three times and I sincerely hope I will never have to watch it again.  Most recently, a friend had it on in his house and we were never close enough that I could ask him to turn it off.  He also made me watch Vanilla Sky, so he clearly can't be trusted.

Mark Renton is a heroine addict who yearns to clean himself up and live a somewhat normal life, away from his horrible friends.  During one of his periods of sobriety, he meets and has sex with Diane, only to discover the next morning that she is fifteen years old.

Obviously, there are parts of this film that are truly disgusting in a scatological kind of way.  Unfortunately, the scenes involving human excrement are the least horrifying scenes in the film.  Maybe people need to see this to understand the level of sleaze that comes with heroine addict.  I personally know a heroine addict and this isn't really something that I want watch.  So perhaps it is a must see film, but not a must see for me.

Ewan McGregor is one of my favorite actors and the monologue is fantastic.  But, like I said, I really hope I'll never have to see this again.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

The sex scene between Kelly Macdonald and Ewan McGregor was slightly adjusted for the American release, as it appeared Diane, a schoolgirl, was enjoying it too much.

Ewan McGregor briefly considered shooting up to better understand his part, but ultimately decided against it.