It's A Hard Knock Life

Imperialism never ends in a clean break. Though 60 years have elapsed since India declared independence from Britain, both sides are still feeling the cultural impact of the other. Thus, Indians follow cricket and London is a great place to go for a curry. This symbiotic relationship is what allows a film like Slumdog Millionaire to work.

Set in the slums of Mumbai and directed by an immensely talented Scotsman; Slumdog tells the surprisingly moving (though somewhat improbable) story about how far love and street smarts can take you. This film is alive like nothing since City of God. The colors pop, the music pulses and it is all in the service of moving your heart.

This is the best type of escapism. It pulls no punches. It depicts a truly cruel world that needs to be escaped from. Murder, torture, prostitution, etc. Our hero Jamal never gives up hope. This film is most definitely going to be this year's "little movie that could" (a la Little Miss Sunshine and Juno) and I could not possibly be any happier.