The Rat Race

I saw this at the International Documentary Festival in Amsterdam 2011, where it was presented in person with a Q&A by the lovely Director/Writer Miriam Chandy Menacherry.

Wanting to watch this solely on the premises of the plot outline, I mean what could go wrong with men walking in the night killing rats with canes? With that in mind really not at all knowing what this would be, my experience ended up to be that of a surprisingly touching, warm and loving documentary about young men worrying about their future, and older men trying to keep up with the younger. The film provides for quite a few laughs but also sadder moments, which was very lifting for the whole experience, you felt like you came much closer to the characters.

It was for me as a non-Indian a very interesting look into old and new Indian culture and how they meet, and a sharp reminder of the fact that things we take for granted in the Western world, would be counted as luxury to others.

The Hindi parts were subtitled in English and was very well translated.

I would recommend this to anyone, it it so great from so many perspectives. The double meaning of the title is so well fitting.