Salaam Bombay! (re-release)
User Score
8.3 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7

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  1. PatC.
    Apr 11, 2005
    9
    A realistic portrayal of life as most of the world lives it, where one's family and next meal can't be taken for granted. It's about a boy developing the skills necessary to survive in a world where social courtesy and adult mentoring is insufficient. This child learns the hard way, by acting on impulse and making mistakes, as he negotiates various situations where everyone seems out to con him. I don't completely buy into the premise that the smiles of the poor are tools to mask deception and desperation, but this movie makes a compelling case for that nonetheless. A little kindness goes a long way, but in this world kindness, even to the love of one's own children that would have pre-empted the boy's dilemma, takes on a inevitable futility. Such are the fruits where all involved are exploited. But as the elements that hold societies together are lacking, the undeniable empathy we feel for the boy leaves us without options as well. Everyone needs a little pretense.… Expand
  2. GilbertMulroneycakesReportingLive
    Jan 11, 2004
    10
    I remember being shown this at school as part of Key Stage 3 English (I'm just that young). Even with some of the grimmer scenes - mainly the bits that involved drug-taking - edited out so as not to Corrupt Our Nation's Youth, it was still ridiculously harrowing. The final sequence - so futile, so tragic - and the downbeat final shot - an incredibly extended close-up of Shafiq Syed's face - left me reeling. I made up my mind then and there never to take a holiday in India. Ever. A masterful piece of, I don't know, neo-neo-realism, I suppose. Like the Apu Trilogy on downers, if you want to be glib about it: this re-release (a year ago as I type) apart, it's a bit hard to find, but if you can, see it.… Expand
  3. phxsikh
    May 11, 2011
    10
    It's reality, that is the key element in the film, making it an excellent film. It doesn't posess any Bollywood "flavor" but it contains an amazing story.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 4 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: David Sterritt
    75
    The story sometimes seems hesitant to confront the most harrowing implications of the harsh realities it portrays. But it benefits greatly from Syed's close-to-the-bone performance as the boy.
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  2. Variety
    Reviewed by: Staff (Not Credited)
    60
    Director Mira Nair indulges in some melodramatic explorations, however, dangerously verging on a romanticized Oriental tearjerker mood.
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  3. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Ted Shen
    80
    The film is unsparingly gritty, but with a woman's tenderness it also grants the characters an occasional moment of grace.
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