Slumdog Millionaire Review

Published by Jeff Leins on: December 16th, 2008

Every year there is “a little indie that could” that captures the hearts and minds of movie audiences just in time for award recognition.  In 2006 it was Little Miss Sunshine.  In 2007 Juno fit the part.  In 2008 the gem is undoubtedly Slumdog Millionaire.

It deserves the praise it’s receiving and the word of mouth that will spread through Facebook friends and water cooler small talk.  Slumdog Millionaire is just the kind of heart-warming story that could soften even the grumpiest of cynics with enough action to satisfy those skeptical of its overseas locale.

The colorful novel adaptation tells the rags-to-riches story of an eighteen year old hopeless romantic on India’s version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”  As he meekly answers each question, you’ll find yourself rooting for the underdog to win the top prize, but more importantly reunite with his lost love.  Though he may seem like a nervous teen lost in the lights of the game show, Jamal is a cunning character hardened by the streets of Mumbai.

During an overnight hiatus the megalomaniac host suspects him of cheating and has him arrested for fraud.  In the jailhouse interrogation Jamal recounts his life story, explaining in detail how he learned the answers to those exact questions.  Through numerous flashbacks we experience the harrowing life of poverty Jamal survived with his brother Salim and his one true love, Latika.

What sounds like a sappy affair is equally as gruesome or comical.  R-rated scenes of intense torture or uncomfortable violence are balanced with light humor and childish mischief.  Soon after Jamal hilariously meets his boyhood hero, he witnesses the brutal death of his mother at the hands of a warring faction.  Careful pacing and the juggling plotline keeps the multiple choice drama from selecting any single direction.

As the three musketeer orphans, Jamal, Salim and Latika protect each other from the dangers of the cruel underworld.  But when he’s separated from Latika, Jamal goes on the show to catch her eye and tempt his fate in the hot seat.

In one telling scene Jamal sits atop a half-built high rise, a growing spire of commerce out of the slums where he was born. Next to him sits his brother Salim, now a gun-for-hire thug to a wealthy crime lord who preys on the people below.  Jamal solemnly remembers where he came from and his street smarts have taught him the blessing of life and love.  Salim has turned his street toughness into a lucrative operation of violence and greed.  It’s a bittersweet moment that captures the dynamic Jamal has with his only remaining family.  Jamal finally asks his brother what he does for Javed, the notorious gangster, and Salim replies, “Anything.”

After underrated genre films like 28 Days Later and Sunshine, Danny Boyle had quietly established himself as a proven director with a keen eye for visuals.  But Slumdog Millionaire is his introduction to the top tier of working filmmakers, a passionate, well-crafted work of art.

This Dickensian tale is a humanistic approach to romance and happiness.  Even after the final answer you’ll walk away with a wealth of emotion from one of the year’s best.

5 out of 5.