Slumdog Millionaire : Not so much a review

Have you seen the movie Slumdog Millionaire? (subtle spoilers below)

Hubby and I saw it a few days ago, and were quite impressed. Together with the rest of the world (see golden globe news on yahoo news).

Quite inspiring that a non-American inspired film won so much awards. I suppose, the artistic way it has been presented is not your traditional one, unknown characters that were able to deliver (at least most of them, if not the child actors even more). It's so much a reality that some of us may not even be aware, put in a blunt movie plot artistically.

Makes one think, was it really 'written'? Or what? Seemingly leading the main character, Jamal, into where he was meant to be at that time, unfolding series of events that are intertwined and related. All but in a subtle way. Very interesting. Keeps your hands sweaty throughout, thinking what will happen. Not the typical movie we are used to seeing. Heavy artistic drama. Very recommended for a movie night. Kudos to the director and cast.

Street Performing and Street Art

I have been a semi-frustrated performer almost all my life. Sure, I have had my fair share of ballet and piano recitals, school plays, speeches and other things which escape my mind at the moment. But what I really haven’t tried is to perform in the streets. In a lot of western cities, begging comes in a lot of forms. Whether they are art camouflaged or magic tricks to entertain. I have seen in the streets: a contortionist, man eating fire, man on a bike on a tight rope, magician playing tricks, a mime dressed in silver paint, chalk artist on the pavement, musicians wearing their didgiredoos and a bit of cloth, singing acrobats, young violinist, ball juggler, man making music with glass beer bottles, etc etc etc.

I am sure each of us have seen them at least once. I say they are all on a league of their own with their performances. Whether it is a silent act, or a scene stealer. I have a sense of respect for them who have guts, courage and (sometimes) unique talent.

These travellers, backpackers, locals, or whoever they are and wherever they come from, they form part of the street scene which makes walking down the street a bit more interesting. They can be a nuisance to some, but really it is your choice whether you want to stop and see them do their thing. Whatever their reason is for doing this, does not really matter (much).