Danny Boyle admits he couldn't make 'Slumdog Millionaire' today because of cultural appropriation concerns

English director Danny Boyle said that he would not direct "Slumdog Millionaire" if it was made today due to "cultural appropriation" and would rather have a "young Indian filmmaker" make it instead.
"We wouldn't be able to make that now. And that's how it should be. It's time to reflect on all that. We have to look at the cultural baggage we carry and the mark that we've left on the world... At the time it felt radical," Boyle told The Guardian.
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Set in India, the movie tells the story of Jamal, a young "slumdog" who's been selected to appear on the country's version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?", and hopes to also find his childhood lost love, Latika. Throughout his appearance, events from his tumultuous life are shown in flashback and help him answer the questions.
Released in 2008, "Slumdog Millionaire" was a hit with audiences and critics, grossing nearly $380 million on a $15 million budget and winning eight Oscars, including Best Picture and Director for Boyle.
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However, despite its success, the movie was controversial for appearing to exploit Indian culture and portray stereotypes of India from a western perspective. Some Indian critics enjoyed the movie, but some Indian artists were underwhelmed, claiming it was "saturated with stereotyped images of India," TIME magazine reported.
Boyle added that while the film was in production over 15 years ago, he was sensitive to the exploitative implications of making the movie as a foreigner then.
"We made the decision that only a handful of us would go to Mumbai. We'd work with a big Indian crew and try to make a film within the culture. But you're still an outsider. It's still a flawed method. That kind of cultural appropriation might be sanctioned at certain times," Boyle told The Guardian.
He went on to say, "But at other times it cannot be. I mean, I'm proud of the film, but you wouldn't even contemplate doing something like that today. It wouldn't even get financed. Even if I was involved, I'd be looking for a young Indian filmmaker to shoot it."
Boyle's other notable movies include "Trainspotting," "Steve Jobs," "127 Hours" and the "28 Days Later" horror series. The latest, "28 Years Later", was released on Friday.
Boyle nor his representatives immediately responded to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
Click Here To Read More On Fox NewsOriginal article source: Danny Boyle admits he couldn't make 'Slumdog Millionaire' today because of cultural appropriation concerns

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10 best cruises from Singapore for a fun-filled vacation at sea

If you're looking for a way to go out to sea, a cruise is a convenient way to visit multiple destinations with onboard accommodation, dining and entertainment. Cruises are floating resorts that sail to different ports of call, so passengers can have a range of diverse experiences. Check out our list of the 10 best cruises in Singapore to hold a major celebration at sea. The Disney Adventure is Disney Cruise Line's newest cruise ship, scheduled to start sailing from Singapore in Dec 2025. Disney Adventure is the first Disney ship to be based in Asia and will offer 3- and 4-night voyages, focusing on magical days at sea. The ship is designed with Disney, Pixar and Marvel theming, promising unique experiences for guests. The cruise ship will feature 7 zones: Disney Imagination Garden, Disney Discovery Reef, San Fransokyo Street, Marvel Landing, Toy Story Place, Town Square and Wayfinder Bay. The San Fransokyo Street, inspired by the world of Big Hero 6, features a bustling city atmosphere with interactive games, a street market and a family arcade. The Marvel Landing area will have attractions and experiences inspired by The Marvel Super Heroes. Concierge Bedroom Oceanview Suite from S$19,538 (Departing Jan 2026) at 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore 018947 +65 6228 3728 (Phone) Mon to Fri: 8am – 10pm (Call Centre) Sat & Sun: 9am – 8pm (Call Centre) | | A 3-night cruise to Penang is available with Royal Caribbean on the Ovation of the Seas. The cruise departs from Singapore, spends a day in Penang and then returns to Singapore. This cruise includes a stop where passengers can explore the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site of George Town, visit temples such as the Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple and see the beach at Batu Ferringhi. Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas offers a variety of activities, including the North Star observation capsule, iFly skydiving, bumper cars and numerous pools. This cruise includes complimentary food at various restaurants and access to entertainment and performances. Interior Room at S$359 Per Person (Departing Jan 2026) at 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore 018947 +65 3157 2944 Daily: 24 hours | | The 8-night Bali Adventure Holiday Cruise on the Ovations of the Seas ship departs from Singapore with stops in Celukan Bawang (Bali), Benoa (Bali) and Lombok (Indonesia), before returning to town. The cruise has a varied mix of cultural experiences and activities. Ports of call include Celukan Bawang, a port town in northern Bali, known for its traditional industries and access to less-visited areas such as Lovina Beach and Banjar hot springs, Benoa, Bali's main port, offering access to beaches, the cities of Denpasar and Ubud and Lombok, Indonesia, an island reputed for its volcanoes, beaches and cultural attractions. The cruise features activities such as North Star (observation capsule), Bionic Bar (robot-crafted cocktails) and Live. Love. Legs. (aerial adventure). A range of dining options are available, including Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and a 5-course Chef's Table experience. Interior Room at S$1,659 Per Person (Departing Dec 2025) at 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore 018947 +65 3157 2944 Daily: 24 hours | | A 12-night cruise exploring Vietnam and Thailand from either Singapore or Hong Kong, aboard the Celebrity Solstice, offers a mix of cultural experiences and relaxation. The cruise typically includes stops in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and scenic locations, with chances to explore the markets and temples and enjoy the beaches. Celebrity Solstice is one of their most decorated ships, with elegant designs everywhere you turn. Their passion for outstanding cuisine takes the onboard dining experience to a new level and the staterooms are sure to bring the comfort of your home, out to the ocean. The airy Main Restaurant, the Grand Epernay Restaurant, offers exquisite menu selections. These change nightly to give guests a wide variety of choices. And the service? Legendary. Veranda Stateroom at US$3,299 (S$4,241) Per Person (Departing Nov 2025) at 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore 018947 1 888 751 7804 Daily: 24 hours | | The 14 Nights Best of Japan and Taiwan cruise with Celebrity Cruises offers a journey through diverse cultures, stunning landscapes as well as modern metropolises. Passengers will explore Japan and its cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto, and Taiwan, with potential stops in Hualien and Taipei. The Celebrity Millennium, known for its modern luxury and innovative spaces such as the Lawn and AquaSpa, is the ship for this itinerary. Visit iconic cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto, experience ancient culture and enjoy modern amenities. Discover the unique blend of cultures in Taiwan, including Hualien, known for Taroko Gorge and Taipei with its vibrant night markets and natural mountain landscapes. Inside Stateroom at US$2,045 (S$2,629) Per Person (Departing Oct 2026) at 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore 018947 1-888-751-7804 Daily: 24 hours | | Sail with Royal Albatross on an epicurean odyssey with a trinity of top Singapore chefs The Genting Dream cruise ship, now operated by StarDream Cruises, provides onboard experiences, such as dining, entertainment and activities, with a focus on Asian hospitality. The Genting Dream offers cruises from Singapore, such as getaways and other itineraries with stops in Malaysia and Thailand, at cities or towns that include Penang and Port Klang. It features world-class theatre shows, parties, performances and classes, as well as an array of dining options, from international cuisine to speciality restaurants. The ship also boasts spa services, fitness centres and family-friendly amenities, such as children's clubs. Interior Stateroom (Value Fare, 2 Nights Weekend Getaway Cruise) (Departing 18 Jul) at S$918 at 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore 018947 +65 800 8528 188 Daily: 24 hours | | A 7-night Italy & Croatia cruise with Royal Caribbean is a cruise voyage that takes passengers on a week-long journey via Italy and Croatia, departing from Rome or Venice. These cruises include visits to various Italian and Croatian ports, including Naples/Capri, Sicily, Kotor, Dubrovnik and Split, with options to also explore Venice, Koper and other destinations. The cruises offer a mix of sightseeing, relaxation and onboard entertainment. Royal Caribbean offers a variety of dining options, including the Main Dining Room with rotating menus, speciality restaurants such as Izumi for sushi, Giovanni's Table for Italian cuisine and Chops Grille for steak. Guests can enjoy live shows, music and themed parties. Interior Stateroom from S$1,620 (Departing Sep 2025) at 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore 018947 +65 3157 2944 Daily: 24 hours | | The 19-Day Cruise Australia & Asia: Melbourne and Bali is a cruise experience aboard the Norwegian Spirit. It is a journey from here to Sydney, with stops in Melbourne and Bali. The cruise includes ports of call in Australia and Indonesia. You will get the opportunity to explore cities including Surabaya, Perth, Busselton, Albany, Adelaide and Kangaroo Island. It also features onboard entertainment and activities, including access to the Stardust Theatre. It is designed with a freestyle concept, offering flexibility in dining and activities. These activities include multiple dining options (Asian, Italian, French, steakhouses), entertainment, a casino, bars and lounges, a spa and kids' activities onboard the ship. Inside Stateroom from S$1,889 Per Person (Departing Dec 2025) at 61 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore 018947 +65 31 651 680 Daily: 24 hours | | A 10-night 'Fly Cruise' to China, Japan and South Korea is a vacation package that combines air travel, a cruise and hotel stays to explore multiple cities and cultures in East Asia. It typically entails flying into a city in one of the countries. Thereafter, you will embark on a cruise that stops at ports in the other 2 countries and then fly out from a different city. The cruise will typically visit multiple ports. This will give you the chance to explore cities in countries such as China (Shanghai, Hong Kong, Beijing, Tianjin), Japan (Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Shimizu (Mt Fuji), Nagasaki, Kobe) and South Korea (Jeju Island, Busan, Incheon). A fly-cruise package simplifies travel planning by bundling flights, accommodation and transportation between destinations. In some cases, this can be more cost-effective than booking flights and accommodation separately, especially when considering convenience. Flight + Cruise + Transfer + Hotel from S$3,999 (Departing Oct 2025) at 601 MacPherson Road, Grantral Complex, #06-10, Singapore 368242 +65 6222 9222 / +65 8125 9162 Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm Sat: 9am – 1pm Closed on Sun | | A 10-night Mediterranean cruise on the Celebrity Ascent involves sailing to various iconic European venues. These include Greece, Italy and Croatia, with a focus on experiencing the culture, history and natural beauty of the region. The Celebrity Ascent is an Edge-class ship that is designed to provide an 'outward-facing' experience, connecting guests with the sea. This 10-night cruise includes stops in Italy (e.g., Rome, Sicily, Naples), Greece (e.g., Olympia, Corfu) and Croatia (e.g., Dubrovnik, Split). Guests can expect a rich blend of cultural exploration, sightseeing and opportunities to relax and enjoy the ship's amenities. Celebrity Cruises is known for its sophisticated, upscale experience with a focus on design, service and innovative onboard areas. Celebrity Ascent boasts features such as The Grand Plaza, Rooftop Garden, an adults-only Solarium pool and dining and entertainment venues. Inside Stateroom from S$4,299 (Departing Oct 2025) at 601 MacPherson Road, Grantral Complex, #06-10, Singapore 368242 +65 6222 9222 / +65 8125 9162 Mon to Fri: 9am – 6pm Sat: 9am – 1pm Closed on Sun | | 11 yacht rental services in Singapore for an unforgettable outing The post 10 best cruises from Singapore for a fun-filled vacation at sea appeared first on

Business Insider

2 hours ago

• Business Insider

Carrie-Anne Moss is finally having fun

Carrie-Anne Moss has lived many lives. At 30, she got her big break opposite Keanu Reeves as Trinity, the sunglasses-wearing, gun-toting badass who fought the evils of a simulated reality in " The Matrix." In her 40s, she scaled down her workload so she could raise her three kids. Now in her 50s and with her kids off to college, Moss is back on our screens, making a dramatic appearance as a Jedi knight in the "Star Wars" Disney+ series " The Acolyte" and starring opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in the second season of his Netflix series "FUBAR." But she still holds her breakout role close — so close that she almost turned on "The Matrix" on a recent plane trip to Los Angeles. "I seriously almost watched it, but I didn't want anyone on the plane to think I was watching it to watch myself," Moss told Business Insider. "I just love the story." While she ended up watching her former costar Reeves kick butt in " John Wick" instead, Moss still cherishes the opportunity to revisit the famous Wachowski sisters movie. "'The Matrix' is one of those movies where, as you grow in your thinking, it becomes something different," Moss continued. "There is so much in it that I know I haven't received yet in terms of storytelling." These days, Moss isn't just poring over her old movies in search of new meaning. Returning to acting in earnest now that her children are older has given her a newfound sense of enjoyment for the craft and the experience. That's especially true of her time on "FUBAR." As the East German spy Greta, Moss not only puts on an accent, but gets to play a juicy arc as a villain — one who kisses Schwarzenegger's character in their first meeting. The role was reinvigorating. "I love working and love so many of the jobs that I've done, but that wouldn't be how I would describe them," Moss said. "Having a job for the first time where I can say, 'That was so much fun,' it makes me want to do more." In the latest interview in Business Insider's "Role Play" series, Moss reminisces about about her years as a struggling actor, getting pulled over while nursing her baby, and the moment when the "Memento" script finally clicked. On getting sick immediately after learning she got the part in 'The Matrix' Business Insider: Let's take it back to the '90s. You're landing a few roles, most notably on the "Melrose Place" spinoff series, "Models Inc." What are you doing in that time to just pay the bills, pay the rent, and get by before the big break? Carrie-Anne Moss: I waited tables a little bit when I first came out. I was a model when I was first breaking into acting, so I made a little bit of money doing that. And then I would get little parts that would just make me enough money to get to the next one. I didn't know about paying taxes, so when I got that tax bill, I was like, "Oh, no! What do you mean?" I was in acting class, I was going to the gym, didn't have many friends, I would make friends on the treadmill, just becoming an adult. I was pretty innocent, naive, and very excited about living this dream that I had had my whole life. LA was so amazing then. Tell me about the moment you learned you got the role of Trinity in "The Matrix." I screen tested for it. I did all these different auditions to get to the final screen test, which was with Keanu [Reeves]. And it was on my 30th birthday. I met Keanu that day and felt very comfortable with him. He was very kind. I was very nervous. I mean, there was so much riding on it. You have to sign your contract before you go into the screen test, so you already know that if you get it how much you're going to get paid. So that just builds more pressure. Yeah, and I kind of didn't expect to get it. But at the same time, I had gone through so many times thinking I wasn't going to get to the next level, and then I got to the next level. So I do the screen test, and then they had a week to decide if they are going to book you. I knew the deadline was a Friday, so the whole week, when my phone rang, you're just wondering. The Friday I was supposed to hear from my manager and my lawyer, they called and said, "They've asked for an extension. They've asked for another week." And I was like, "Oh, god!" So by the next Friday, I had totally let it go, to be honest. It wasn't on my mind like it had been the week before. Please help BI improve our Business, Tech, and Innovation coverage by sharing a bit about your role — it will help us tailor content that matters most to people like you. Continue By providing this information, you agree that Business Insider may use this data to improve your site experience and for targeted advertising. By continuing you agree that you accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . They called me, and everyone was on the phone, and they told me I got it, and I remember I instantly got sick. I remember that distinctly — I literally felt a head cold. I think I was holding so much stress, I was crying, and I was so happy, and got sick. I remember getting off the phone with them, and I didn't even know how to tell anyone. It was a surreal moment, almost too much. On the scene that convinced her to do 'Memento' My manager is the one who really wanted me to read that. I was reading it, and I was intrigued, but it does take quite a few reads. And I remember, even after reading it a couple times, I didn't fully get it. But when I got to that scene where Natalie turns on Leonard — I remember the big splurge I did for myself after "The Matrix" was I bought myself a lawn chair so I could lay down and read scripts out in the sun. It was a serious splurge — and I remember lying on it and reading that moment in the script and feeling, "Oh. My. God." I just felt I had to do that scene. I knew right then and there. There are other layers to why I wanted to do the movie, but so many years later, that still stands out. I like these characters and these moments where I would never ever have anything like that in my life. There's such freedom in a character that would do that. You can't play that wrong, really. She is so diabolical in that moment, she's so horrible and so nasty. So to be that manipulative and go in there and do that to him like that. I just felt that would be so incredibly fun to do. On losing her acting ambition while making 'Disturbia' Shia LaBeouf Not so much. I had just had my second baby, and I was not really that open to working at that particular moment. I had a 2-year-old and a new baby. I remember my team at the time going, "We really think you should do this." And very rarely did they do that; they really respected my need for being home. I do feel motherly to younger actors now, but back then, I didn't feel that. I really liked Shia and thought he was really talented and cared a great deal about him, but I didn't feel like that. You were literally feeling motherly to your own child. Was your baby on set with you? Yeah. We shot that in LA. I remember getting pulled over on the freeway, nursing him in his car seat at night while I had someone driving me. He was crying so hard to be fed. I was crying. I was thinking, I can't do this. But you figure it out. I did not get a ticket. I was crying, and the baby was crying. I think the cop was just like, "You need to go home." And I was like, "I know!" After "Disturbia," was that the time when you decided to focus more on being a mother than acting? Oh, yeah. I think I had my first child after doing "The Matrix." I think for the premiere of the second one, I was pregnant. It all changed. I was one of those people who didn't even want anyone else to hold my baby. It was all encompassing. It was feeding me so much that it wasn't like I made any kind of mental decision. I actually, physically, couldn't do the work. And I didn't have a built-in support system, and I didn't want it. So when I worked after I had kids, it was, "Can I get help?" So that was really hard. And it sounds so corny, but I would get offers and think about it, especially when my kids were really young, I just thought, at the end of my life, am I going to care that I did another movie or if I held my baby? It was a no-brainer. I have to say I lost a lot of my ambition for the business. But now that the kids have grown, has the drive returned? Yeah, totally different. I don't know if you have ever seen that movie " Searching for Debra Winger." I watched it again recently, and what Debra Winger said is that there's a season for everything. There's a season to be a struggling actor and eating chips and salsa and a little bit of sushi and having enough money to have a coffee — I mean, that was my life. I wasn't going on vacation. I worked a lot because I never went anywhere. So when everyone went home at Thanksgiving, I would get the job. I couldn't afford a plane ticket home. You have your very focused and driven time of really wanting it and fighting for it, and then, for me, a change happened when I had kids. I remember when I went to do "Jessica Jones," it was very jarring. I went to work in New York, and I was commuting a lot, and I literally felt like I didn't even know how to talk to people. I didn't know how to do Uber. Krysten Ritter had to show me how to do it. I mean, going to set and everyone having phones, that was a real culture shock for me. You're doing a take, and the dolly grip is on his phone. It was like, "When did this happen?" On her death on 'The Acolyte' and showing her kids 'The Matrix' It's great to see you working more. You were fantastic in the brief time you were on "The Acolyte." Was it explained to you, going into taking the role, that you would die in the first six minutes of the first episode? Yes. [Show creator] Leslye [Headland] really pitched that to me that she really wanted me to do this because she wanted it to be believable. Did you like that idea? I didn't really think about it. I think the reaction to it from the fans, I kind of thought, "Wow, how did I not think of that?" All of them have seen "The Matrix" at a certain age. Yeah, it wasn't like, "Hey, I really want to screen a movie for you." They knew it, maybe their friends talked about it. This was by the time they were 12 or 13. All their friends came over, and I made popcorn, and all the moms approved; it was a big thing. I remember when my oldest saw it for the first time, the look of shock on his face because I was the mom who said, "Don't use that stick as a gun, we don't play with guns in this house." [ Laughs.] That made me really laugh. When your kids realize you had a whole life that they have no idea —like, "Who is that person?" — that's how it should be. Your kids should be the center of their own world. I've always been very sensitive to that. Kids who have parents who are actors, it's often their parents are the center of attention, they get a lot of attention when they are out in the world. I always stepped back and didn't want that for them.

Newsweek

3 hours ago

• Newsweek

Signs Your Baby Is Highly Sensitive, According to a Child Psychologist

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A TikTok video of a baby crying during a song from The Little Mermaid has sparked heartwarming discussion online about highly sensitive children. In the video, Allie, the baby's aunt, filmed the moment her niece swelled with emotion in accordance with the Disney song. Many viewers in the comments speculated that the baby might be experiencing "frisson"—a French term for the physical chills some people get when emotionally moved by music. But could this be something else entirely? Newsweek spoke to Allie, 32, along with a child psychologist to better understand the adorable phenomenon. Allie said that she has seen her niece, Eleanor, have such a strong response to music has been incredible to witness—and started early. Photos from Allie's TikTok video of her baby niece. Photos from Allie's TikTok video of her baby niece. @alliemorganb/TikTok "[It] has been so precious because it's such raw emotion coming out that she obviously can't control, and shows what a tender heart she has," Allie explained. "She has been reacting this way to certain songs since she was six months old." The first time Eleanor showed this emotional response was when her dad was singing Faithfully by Journey around the house. At first, he thought she might be fussy, but after he sat down and continued singing, Eleanor continued to get emotional at certain parts of the song, Allie said. Eleanor's deep emotional sensitivity to music shouldn't come as too much of a surprise, though—her family is filled with musicians and singers. Allie went on to say that Eleanor is the first grandchild in her family. "She has such an infectious and happy personality and is so affectionate to those close to her," she said. "So, to see this happy baby get so moved by music is the most heartwarming thing, but not a big surprise considering our family is very into music." Three Signs Your Baby Might Be Sensitive While many TikTok commenters suggested that Eleanor might be experiencing "frisson," Dr. Kanchi Wijesekera, a clinical child psychologist and founder of Milika Center for Therapy & Resilience, offered Newsweek a different perspective. "The term 'frisson' isn't a clinical term," she said. "There is no evidence confirming that infants can experience frisson in the way adults do." Instead, Dr. Wijesekera believes that Eleanor's emotional response is likely tied to sensory processing and emotional recognition. "What's likely being observed is a combination of sensory processing and emotional recognition," she explained. She also pointed to Dr. Elaine Aron's research on highly sensitive children. Although Aron's studies focused on toddlers and older children, Dr. Wijesekera said that early emotional reactions to music could be an early indicator of emotional sensitivity in infants. She explained three signs that your baby might be more emotionally sensitive: Strong reactions to music or art: "If your baby calms or cries in response to music or expressive faces, it may reflect early emotional attunement. This is not the same as frisson, but it's a sign they're taking in the emotional tone of their environment." Heightened awareness of environment: "Babies who startle easily at loud sounds, track visual stimuli, or seem observant may be more sensitive to sensory and emotional cues." Emotional contagion: "If your baby mirrors your mood or becomes distressed when others are upset, it suggests early empathy, a skill for emotional intelligence." Dr. Wijesekera also suggests that parents and caregivers can support their baby's emotional sensitivity by creating gentle environments that respect the child's need for calm and soothing stimuli. While Eleanor might not be experiencing "frisson" in the scientific sense, her reaction is an adorable reminder that emotional sensitivity can emerge very early in life. Allie concluded, "It could be [frisson], or she could just be more sensitive to music than average, but we will keep an eye out for that as she grows up."