This was my bag packed and ready to go to the movies on Tuesday, but as I had to p.s. on that blog post, we had a mix-up with the movie times. So today was actually the movie day. Some of you guys wanted to hear back about 1) what am I knitting, and 2) how was the movie?
I'm knitting a cotton/linen tee for summer :) ... so far I haven't had to frog any of it, but I'm only about 7 inches up from the bottom hem. We'll see how it goes. That yummy color is called desert turquoise.
The movie was Slumdog Millionaire, which I saw with my Dad. I had my eyes closed 2 minutes into the movie and was crying in 5 minutes. I almost left the theater to sit out in the lobby several times, but was assured by Dad several times that "It's going to get better," and "It will all work out in the end." That's what kind of movie it was. It was a roller coaster emotionally, but I rode it out with someone who knew the ending from the beginning. If you watch by immersion (like me) you'd better go with someone who has seen it or you won't make it all the way through.
If you don't want any hints about the movie - don't read the rest of this post.
I felt worked over and in some ways manipulated by a story that in the end did come out "all right." Life does NOT come out all right for billions (yes Billions) of children "living" in slums and garbage dumps for eons. The only reason this movie will win an Oscar is because it was in some way uplifting. What was the uplift? Things turn out o.k. ...... I don't believe that is reality. So we Americans will shower praise and awards on a movie that portrays a nightmarish life with a happy and romantic ending. I think it's weird that we could walk out of the theater and somehow "feel good." I felt horrible. I feel horrible. But I am glad I saw it, as draining as it was. Can I explain that? No. Maybe for the same reason Kite Runner and 1000 Splendid Suns are beautiful books. It's a messed up planet ... and I haven't seen 99.99 percent of it .....
Feel free to leave comments with your honest opinions .... you may really disagree with me .... and I like that.
6 comments:
Kim,
You are right about Slumdog Millionare, it had a tough beginning, but few who live in America can not begin to understand children without parents who must live life in the slums of India. India is one third size of USA, yet has a population of 1.2 billion, whereas we have 300 million people.
Third world nations live in poverty, that is a fact. I am thankful that my life had great parents, opportunity, challenges, wonderful children and grandchildren. As a Nation we are in a terrible economic period. Most who will read this have never been through a recession. I have been through 6 while raising a family. Be thankful for what you have and share. We all are blessed.
Dad
Yes Dad, I am thankful. I am thankful that you are my Dad too. I have a beautiful heritage. I just am so sad for the orphans.
I did love the movie but "get" what you're saying. What I think about when I see movies like that, suffering like that, etc. is how easily we Americans, or I should just say, we the privileged, judge all life in a material way and when "things get tough" we all get depressed and bemoan our misfortunes and fight over politics, etc. etc. What I get from the movie is that life is just plain life and that there is something about life that transcends poverty and riches. And I think that something is the human spirit. Now, I do wince at the exploitation inherent in a western rendition of poverty and all the judgment and almost-condescension implied (Look at the poor people in the slums, look at their colorful clothes, aren't they magnificent, etc.) -- but I appreciate the movie as a work of art that really illustrated something human -- the hunger of being alive, I guess. If this sounds like mumbo-jumbo, well -- it is.
Thank you Elizabeth. I don't hear any mumbo jumbo in what you said ....... it was a powerful and thought provoking movie. After ruminating on it some more - I'm leaning toward what you say about the human spirit - I've been thinking about Love and it's victory - even in the midst of tragedy.
I want to see this movie but I'm not sure I want that intense sadness that comes with feeling the grief for those less fortunate. I remember seeing the slums in Nairobi - 20 days before they erupted in violence - and it overwhelmed me with guilt and frustration - God said the poor would always be with us. I think those of us who God blessed with wealth are to have relationship with those God blessed with poverty - there is a lesson in it for both of us.
I do want to see this movie - thanks for the warning!!! I read Kite Runner - later, when my daughter wanted to see the video - I had to leave the room several times - it is one thing to imagine things thru reading - it is quite another to see and hear them. We all need to be thankful for what we do have...........
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