Slumdog Millionaire

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Directed by Danny Boyle
Starring Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Madhur Mittal, Anil Kapoor

The feel-good, heartwarming film, Slumdog Millionaire is the story of Jamal Malik (Patel), and his life story from the slums in India to the Indian version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” Throughout his adventures and hardships, Jamal experiences many life struggles that help him answer several questions. When Jamal exceeds expectations on the show, law enforcement arrests Jamal for cheating. He must explain his life to the officers so that he can win and impress his long-lost love. This is truly a moving picture based on the novel Q & A by Vikas Swarup. It is a wonderful rags-to-riches film in the style of Frank Capra; filled with emotion, hardship, and comedy. The hardships of these children are sometimes unbearable to watch. The young children playing Jamal, his brother Salim, and their friend Latika, and all wonderful young actors and bring charm to their roles. Salim and Jamal get into much mischief as children, adding some humor to the start of the film. The elder Jamal, played by newcomer, Dev Patel, brings depth to his character and transformers from a “slumdog” to a hero by the ending credits. All of his hardships and accomplishments have made him into a wonderful human being, who just wants to find his love, Latika.

This film comes from director Danny Boyle, who has of recent been working on science fiction films with 28 Days Later and Sunshine. It is good to see Boyle take on a feel-good film, when he is mostly known for horror and depressing films. There is wonderful directing and cinematography in this film. The film looks great and is filled with colors and sounds of Indian culture. This film is fully submerged in Indian cultures and is very authentic in feel.

The message of Slumdog Millionaire is that anything can be done by anyone. The film shows the social order of India and that anyone can jump into a new class. Jamal is a slumdog; a poor, trashy kid that makes it all the way to become a millionaire. Slumdog Millionaire shows us that no one can stop us if we are determined enough to get what we want. In Jamal’s case, it was to survive and find Latika. He went through a massacre, kidnapping, abuse, and other horrid things, but he still kept on pushing. Jamal was never rich like his brother, but stayed true to himself and did not get mixed up in crime and drugs for money. He chose the hard path and became very successful.

Slumdog Millionaire is a film that never lets go. It tears at your heart and makes you root for Jamal to be the hero. You feel like you, yourself are in the “hot seat,” competing for money and to prove yourself. With wonderful acting, a great story, and an impressive looking film, Slumdog Millionaire is the surprise hit of 2008, and is one of the best modern rags-to-riches films.

Rating: A-


June 17, 2010