MUST See!

A few years ago, I travelled to India for work. My work was in New Delhi; however, during my down time, I ventured into Old Delhi and even to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal was - simply put - majestic. Just 600 meters from the Taj Mahal, I enjoyed an amazing lunch at the Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel.

The hotel was lavish, unlike anything I had ever seen. The walls were gilded with 24 karat gold. The silverware placed before me at lunch was counted as it was given and as it was taken away. Why? It was Gold dipped and worth so much. The chocolates that accompanied my bill at the end of my lunch had gold leaf. Decadent (over the top) was the best way to describe the experience.

Outside the gate of the hotel life was very different. The majority of the India that I experienced was a country of overwhelming poverty.

I have seen so much poverty throughout Southeast Asia, but none of it could compare with the all encompassing deprivation of the small portion of India that I visited. Although I was only in the country for 10 days, the images play over and over in my mind... often in the wee hours of the night while I am asleep and occasionally while I am going about my day.

Last night, a friend and I ventured out for a girl's night out. We had a great Mexican meal accompanied by yummy margaritas and lots of talking. From there, we went to the theater where we claimed our previously ordered tickets to

Slumdog Millionaire.

WOW! Without a single reservation, I can report that this movie easily replaced another film on my top movie list of all times. WOW! What an amazing story (although very tough to swallow at times) the acting is amazing, and the cinematography - sights and sounds - of the movie took my breath away at times.

It was not necessarily an easy movie to watch. It is, however, a very vivid glimpse into the reality of life in India. What was so charming about the movie was the how the story was wrapped around a game show and a very sweet and innocent love that a young boy had for a young girl.

I will not write any spoilers... I will just say that this is a MUST see! Run now...you must see it in the theater ... I don't think the whole experience will transfer to DVD. Go now... stop reading this... GO!

If you have already experienced the film... what did you think? I am not alone in my love for this movie am I????