Apologies for the lack of postings over the past 2 or 3 weeks. I have been extremely busy, mostly with organisation of the premiere events for The Secret Life Of Bees that we hosted in Durban last Tuesday, as well as Jozi last Thursday. Although the film did not do as much as we would have loved it to, it did post at number 6 for its opening weekend, according to the Top 10 Box Office results.
Still remaining on the movies topic, the Oscar buzz is at its ultimate high, just a few weeks before we get to see which titles walk away with the golden statuettes for this year. There is a clear hint as to which films are in the frontrun, by looking at the results from other industry awards like the Golden Globes, the SAG's, Critic's Choice Awards, BAFTA's, etc. Two of such films happen to be British titles. I've had an absolute pleasure of watching them ahead of the Oscars and their Mzansi theatrical releases. Here is what I thought of both Slumdog Millionaire and Happy Go Lucky, after watching them in the past few weeks.
Slumdog Millionare
Set in Mumbai, in India, Slumdog Millionaire is adapted from a novel titled Q&A, written by South African Embassador to India, Swarup Vikas. The film follows a teen's journey through the slums of India as he strives for survival. His participation in India's version of Who Wants To be A Millionaire, which has led to his subsequent victory in the competition, followed by an arrest, is the vehicle in which his story is told. The flashbacks into his progression in life proves to be a very smart concept, in terms of how the plot develops.
Filled with brilliant acting, a cohesive storyline, and riveting suspense, Slumdog Millionaire is captivating and exhilerating. The way director Danny Boyle engages you as an audience is magnetic in itself. Now I understand why the film has become so critically acclaimed, sweeping awards left, right, and centre. We'll wait to see how it fairs at the Oscars, what with an impressive 10 nominations including Best Director, Best Picture and Best Writing.
This is certainly one of the best films to come out this year. Slumdog Millionaire opens at cinemas throughout the country on the 06th of March 2009.
Happy Go Lucky
You may not expect this easy-flowing drama/comedy to blow you away, but it is the finer details that make it a remarkable piece of work. Also set in England, it's about a primary school teacher whose nature is so oblivious to any bad things that happen around her. Despite the exesperation from everybody around her, she doesn't feel there is anything wrong with her permanent cheery state.
It's amazing that actress Sally Hawkins (playing the role of Poppy, the school teacher) managed to pull smiling almost throughout the film off. Even the very few moments when she doesn't, there's still that trace of ease and glow in her face. That takes a great deal of skill to be able to portray somebody with such traits so well. The stages through Poppy's life, no matter how trying and cruel, her positiveness shines through. I have to admit there is a great amount of lessons that Poppy's character teaches you as a person.
Although most of the subject tackled are serious, the comedic relief from seeing such a character creates an air of understanding. Sally Hawkins has already won a Golden Globe as the Best Actress beating other heavyweights, and we'll see if Happy Go Lucky takes the crown for the Best Writing conquest at then Oscars in less than 2 weeks.
Happy Go Lucky opened at Mzansi Cinema Nouveau theatres last Friday, 06 February 2009.
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