Watch Kids' Reviews of
BRUMDOG

I can relate to Brumdog as I am the child of immigrants and never truly felt that I belonged in this country. This story follows a boy who is trying to fit in and perhaps tells a lie in order to gain sympathy or popularity or both. It is exceptionally well made and provocative in its message as well as showing the complicated relationship between the boy and his sister.

The storyline follows 10-year-old Zakir Noorani (Ayaansh Thanawalla) who lies to his friends about moving to India forever. His friends don't care; instead, one of his friends asks for his locker. We later see him with his mom and sister and his sister convinces him that whatever he says he speaks will come into existence if he doesn't cross his fingers. Haunted by her words, he attempts to escape his fate. The plot is very straightforward because we see how Zakir falls for the lie his sister makes him believe, so from our point of view, we get the plot right away. But from Zakir's point of view things are a lot more confusing, especially because he is so young. The camera work - the angles, close-ups, and the colors used in this film - is amazing. It's on the par of a feature film. The actors also shine; they act very naturally in their roles. What completely stands out are the costumes, which are amazing; they honestly exemplify Indian culture. The house where most of the film takes place is decorated very traditionally like an Indian home in the UK or in the US. The background music isn't particularly noticeable, except during the dream sequence and at the end, including under the credits. I commend the set designer because the way the colors are so saturated makes the set really shine. It's a stand out in this film. I love how every scene gives you a glimpse into Indian culture. It plays a super big role in this film. My favorite scene is the dream scene when the "Slumdog Millionaire" types of people are all shouting at once and Zakir is slightly terrified by their presence. My other favorite scene is the ending, when Zakir and his sister chuckle over the whole thing and we see them as siblings that love each other, even when one is tormenting the other.

The film's message is that it is never good to lie because you don't know when it will catch up to you.

I give Brumdog 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. By Miguel C. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!

I can relate to Brumdog as I am the child of immigrants and never truly felt that I belonged in this country. This story follows a boy who is trying to fit in and perhaps tells a lie in order to gain sympathy or popularity or both. It is exceptionally well made and provocative in its message as well as showing the complicated relationship between the boy and his sister.

The storyline follows 10-year-old Zakir Noorani (Ayaansh Thanawalla) who lies to his friends about moving to India forever. His friends don't care; instead, one of his friends asks for his locker. We later see him with his mom and sister and his sister convinces him that whatever he says he speaks will come into existence if he doesn't cross his fingers. Haunted by her words, he attempts to escape his fate. The plot is very straightforward because we see how Zakir falls for the lie his sister makes him believe, so from our point of view, we get the plot right away. But from Zakir's point of view things are a lot more confusing, especially because he is so young. The camera work - the angles, close-ups, and the colors used in this film - is amazing. It's on the par of a feature film. The actors also shine; they act very naturally in their roles. What completely stands out are the costumes, which are amazing; they honestly exemplify Indian culture. The house where most of the film takes place is decorated very traditionally like an Indian home in the UK or in the US. The background music isn't particularly noticeable, except during the dream sequence and at the end, including under the credits. I commend the set designer because the way the colors are so saturated makes the set really shine. It's a stand out in this film. I love how every scene gives you a glimpse into Indian culture. It plays a super big role in this film. My favorite scene is the dream scene when the "Slumdog Millionaire" types of people are all shouting at once and Zakir is slightly terrified by their presence. My other favorite scene is the ending, when Zakir and his sister chuckle over the whole thing and we see them as siblings that love each other, even when one is tormenting the other.

The film's message is that it is never good to lie because you don't know when it will catch up to you.

I give Brumdog 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 8. By Miguel C. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST

Eager to test his friends' devotion to him, 10-year-old British-Indian Zakir Noorani lies about moving to India forever. What he doesn't know is that he has a special power, one that allows him to speak into existence whatever he wishes if he fails to cross his fingers. Or at least that's what his sister Aaisha leads him to believe. Haunted by his recent viewing of Slumdog Millionaire, Zakir attempts to escape his fate while his sister relishes in his torment.