More on “Slumdog”

Of course each individual life has meaning. We feel the the presence of meaning in our lives. Sometimes it’s just out of reach. Other times, you get a glimpse of it. Regardless, if you just stop for a moment and listen…feel…smell…taste…allow yourself to become aware of your very life force…you know that your life has meaning. You are more than the gooey matter that makes up your body. There is something more there. Each one of us serves a purpose, and our purpose goes beyond reproduction.

Our ability, as a species, to forget that gets us into so much trouble. It is easy to disconnect from the value of each individual life that being reconnected can be jarring. I like to think of myself who does a pretty good job of keeping that perspective. That said, I am human, of course, so I forget. “Slumdog Millionaire” is one of those rare movies that reminds you.

My wife asked me as we left the theater, “Did that deserve to win ‘Best Picture?'” I said that I thought it did. I was a bit hesitant. Today, I am much less hesitant. Any time a film makes you think with such compassion and love about people who are suffering on the other side of the planet, I think you’re walking away from a film that deserves some recognition. So…yes, I think it deserves “Best Picture,” not because it’s a huge moneymaker but because it’s a profound, compelling film.

If you are on the fence, go see it. I think it’s worth the price of admission.