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So I saw and loved this movie last weekend, Slumdog Millionaire. I don’t have anything to say about it that hasn’t already been said, but I thought it was amazing and the best movie I’ve seen this year. ANYWAY, the number one question all my friends have had when I’ve told them to see Slumdog is this:
“Can I take my parents to see it over the holiday?”
This is a good question. While I think everyone should see this amazing and unforgettable fairy tale, there are a lot of parents out there for whom this movie would not be suitable. So here’s a guide for people with parents.
First, ask yourself this: Do my parents already see a lot of R-rated movies? If so, it’s fine. Go. Won’t be a problem.
Now for the potentially objectionable parts. Without spoiling anything, this movie contains, in order of potential offensiveness:
1. Violence
You name it — punching, kicking, shooting, torture, electrocution, face-burning, cutting, and one notable scene of extreme violence against a small child.
2. Poop
This is the one that would freak out a lot of moms. Personally, I had to look away for most of this scene, but there’s a part (that’s actually in the trailer) where the most adorable child in the world (above) is covered from head to toe in crap. Maybe you could prepare your parents for this part by explaining that it’s “Only going to be mud, remember, it’s just mud,” and “The scene is a metaphor for both the extent of the child’s poverty and his determination to raise himself out of it.” That should do it. They’ll know when to cover their eyes.
3. Scenes Of Intensity That Might Be Unsuitable For Older Viewers
This movie is INTENSE. If, at some point, you find yourself thinking “I need a massage after this,” don’t loathe yourself for the juxtaposition of your yuppie “problems” with the abject poverty shown in the film. This movie is heartbreaking from beginning to (almost) end, and it will take you through every emotion. If your parents can’t handle that, it’s understandable, but sometimes it’s good to bring parents out of their comfort zone, so they can learn things.
What this movie does NOT contain:
Sex!
Yay, no worries about squirming in your seat or doing that thing where you know a sex scene is coming up and you get up to “go to the restroom” but really you stand in the back of the theater until the scene is over and then return to your seat. This movie has less sex than Forrest Gump! (There are some mentions of sexual themes and one scene where a bad guy makes out with a prostitute or something in the middle of a montage, but other than that it’s basically clean.)
I hope this guide helps! And if you decide not to expose your parents to this movie at this particular time in their development, sneak out and see it yourself. Did I mention it’s a really great movie? Here’s the trailer again:
Best.
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It never would occur to me that this would be a parent inappropriate or violent movie — especially from the trailer.
You forgot no white people. Your parents will probably freak about that.
hahaa lol !!
I really wish this will come out to the Massachusetts boonies (like real boonies, but not actually even like the boonies)!
My parents will freak out when I tell them this ISN’T at all similar to Wild Hogs, which they LOVED.
Also important for parents: very little swearing. My mom came home SHOCKED at the number of f-words in Casino. Mom, I coulda told you, if only you had asked.
That’s why my mother considers Get Shorty to be among the worst movies she’s ever seen. Cursing >> writing
Your mother is correct. Go Mom!
Looks like a good movie, except for that song by the Ting Tings in the trailer. Ting Tings are the worst.
I took my parents to see Slumdog Millionaire. They loved it. I’d say it’s a safe bet they will like it. The poop thing was blah, but no one mentioned it.
I do not like poop, but I will probably go see it anyway. I am not a parent
my parents took me to see it. we loved it, like everyone else. i wonder if anyone disliked the movie?
I took my parents to see it on your recommendation. We all loved it. Thanks for the tip! I also appreciated the heads up on whether this is safe for watching with parents. I saw 1/2 of “The Aristocrats” with them. We made it through 1/2. I feel like throwing up when I think about it too hard.
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So thanks for the advisory!
I took my mom to see it. It was easy, I carried in her urn and they didn’t even charge me! I kept opening the lid and sprinkling my mom on the other moviegoers like Rip Torn.
I got all pissed though, this dude kept, like, wiping off his shirt, and I was all, like, dude, quit wiping off my mom! HAve you no respect!! Jesus. Some People.
Slumdog Millionaire is as acerbic as it is clear-eyed about the brutal power dynamics in modern-day Mumbai. But, at the same time, what makes it so warming and what has been inspiring audiences all across the world to cheer at its rousing ending.
You have no idea how much this helped me. Watching sex scenes with my parents is too awkward for me to handle. : (
Definitely we can go with our parents…..there is nothing like to feel ashamed while watching the movie with our parents,why to ask ourselves before moving to watch the movie
Slumdog Millionaire is as acerbic as it is clear-eyed about the brutal power dynamics in modern-day Mumbai. But, at the same time, what makes it so warming and what has been inspiring audiences all across the world to cheer at its rousing ending.cufflinks for men
the movie is pretty bad, and i’m surprised more people aren’t saying so. it basically gives a pass to people who normally wouldn’t go near a movie like this. its full of cliches and convenient plot devices, but its alright cos it, like, takes place in india. culture, y’know?
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Despite having been the number one topic of discussion, commercially, the movie has not done very well in Mumbai. Within three weeks of opening, the movie has been relegated to showing to half-empty theaters in a handful of cinemas.
Despite having been the number one topic of discussion, commercially, the movie has not done very well in Mumbai. Within three weeks of opening, the movie has been relegated to showing to half-empty theaters in a handful of cinemas.