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1. The score. Soundtracks usually annoy me, intruding into the story and very often being expected to tell the story. This time, the music enhanced everything. Sadly, M.I.A's upbeat song "Boyz" which MAKES the cab ride scene is not included in the soundtrack. In fact, most of what I loved didn't make it into the soundtrack. Which is one reason to go see the movie.

2. The cab ride in India feels like a cab ride in India.

3. The fan blades whirring, turning the wheel of story. The wheel of life.

4. Two strong men. I simply love spending time in their company. Full-grown men are rare in films and mainly in life, too. As follows:

5. Texas. I love his plaid shorts and plastic glasses and determination to make good his formerly rancid life. By paying attention. By taking time. By letting go of almost unforgivable deeds. He gives a helluva gift on that rooftop.

6. Felipe. Yes, yes, Bardem is gorgeous. But it’s the interaction with his son (OK make that THREE strong men) that puts him in our hearts front and center. The man loves his son. Their tenderness reads very real to me. You know bundles about Felipe watching him be with his son.

7. Honestly, after the three great men, here’s the best thing. Sitting in the dark watching some other woman try to lift out of her romantic confusions. It’s heartening not to be Liz and to hear her yell at Felipe, I won’t love you to prove I love myself. Or something close to that. It’s bloody hard being a full-grown woman who does not give too much. And just when you become that woman, life asks you to open up again.

8. “Ruin is a gift. Ruin is the road to transformation.”

Disclaimer: I have not read the book, so had no preconceptions about what the movie should or should not be.
 


Comments

Pam
08/30/2010 20:32

Oooooo...nice to be reminded! Thanks...

Reply
Frank
11/16/2010 15:58

Excellent review. And thanks for naming the track from the Indian cab ride scene.

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