I heard a lot about this movie before it came out and have to admit it really peaked my interest. I’ve seen movies like City of Joy and while the situation in the slums of India are not totally unknown to me I was wavering on seeing it, despite the critical acclaim (something anyone smart usually pays no attention to). See, if it was good, I knew it would be a truly great and wonderful film but if it was bad, I would be terribly, terribly disappointed.

Today, I finally decided to go see Slumdog Millionaire and all I can really say is this: It’s truly one of the best movies I have ever had the pleasure seeing! Best movie ever? Maybe. I was captured from the second the movie started; completley fascinated you might say and never did I feel it was slow or I got bored (a rarity with what passes for films these days).

This movie was touching without going overboard, smart without being unrealistic and showed the concept of hope in a whole new light, at least for me. A love story, a tale of desperation and an unrepentant look at the impoverished of India (something the government there doesn’t want to talk or do anything about) all in one. And more. Much much more.

I’m very glad I went and was able to add a new original movie to my list of Great Films. Very, very glad. I can’t stress enough that you should see this wonderfully fascinating and original masterpiece of story-telling in the theaters while you can. And if for some reason you do not think this film is good, it’s because you’re dead inside. Like republicans, democrats or Switzerland. Yeah, Switzerland…

UPDATE: I just finished watching the Academy Awards and I’m very pleased to announce that Slumdog Millionaire won Best Picture as well as oscars for Best Director, Adapted Screenplay, Original Score, Original Song, Cinematography, Film Editing and Sound Mixing! 8 Oscars a well-deserved sweep, indeed! Congrats to everyone that made such a good film possible; a film that was going direct to DVD but some smart people worked hard and saved it! Jai Ho!