Movie #2137 ........................."The White Tiger" (netflix streaming)

Movie #2137 "The White Tiger" (netflix streaming) I watched this movie because it has been popping up on lists for best screenplay, one in particular, it is nominated for an Oscar.  It is really odd for a nominated movie in this category to be not nominated for best picture or something else (it was also nominated for a BAFTA).  So I wanted to see what all the hubbub was about --- I must admit I expected it to be a bit better than it was, but I did find it an intriguing story --- one that you really don't know where it is going, esp. when it starts in the middle of action, and then backs up and shows you what led up to that.  I thought it was going to be more a "con" game, but what it ended up being is an in depth study on what it is like to be a "slave" in India to some kind of war lord (property owner) -- in order to get out of his poverty and do more with his life than marry and have kids he can't feed, he agrees to be this guy's driver forever...... well, until he can figure out a plan to get out from under.  There are lots of twists and turns, good music, Nick Jonas' wife Priyanka Chopra is in it, and the lead is likable and interesting.  I'd give this 4, and yes, the screenplay is the best part of it.  

"THE WHITE TIGER"  2 hrs, 5 mins     2021      rated R

An ambitious Indian driver uses his wit and cunning to escape from poverty and rise to the top. An epic journey based on the New York Times bestseller.

Director:

 Ramin Bahrani

Writers:

 Ramin Bahrani (written for the screen by), Aravind Adiga (based on the book by) 

Stars:

 Adarsh Gourav, Rajkummar Rao, Priyanka Chopra