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'Slumdog Millionaire' is worth its weight in gold
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"Slumdog Millionaire"
There are not enough words in the English language to praise this film: beautiful, heartfelt, complicated yet surprisingly simple, and everything a film should be.
"Slumdog Millionaire" may just be the surprise film of the year. Critics are raving, movie-goers are cheering, and everyone is loving this beautiful, heartfelt movie.
The story of impoverished Indian teen Jamal Malik, who goes on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" to be the first contestant to win multi-millions. He is accused of cheating by the police, but says his only reason for going on the show was to get the attention of the love of his live, Latika. Was it cheating? Or was it destiny?
"Slumdog" is as close to perfect as a film can get. After seeing so many over stretched, blown-out, superficial films, it’s almost shocking to see how great a movie can be.
Three scenes are interspersed throughout the movie: Jamal on the gameshow, Jamal being interviewed (and tortured) by the police, and Jamal’s life leading up to this point.
Jamal’s life presents the most compelling story. Every moments of his life, it seems, has led him to the gameshow. And his life has not been easy. A "slumdog," Jamal and his older brother were raised in the ghettos of India. They suffered violence, poverty and unbearable loss, but together made it through it all, along with their friend, Latika.
"Slumdog," is directed by Danny Boyle whose past films include "Millions" and "The Beach." Not only does he succeed again at directing child and teen actors, but he shines at creating an epic story based on a tiny world.
For each of the main characters, three actors played the role at different ages. For Jamal, Ayush Mahesh plays the younger version and Dev Patel plays his older counterpart. Both, while relatively unknown in the acting world, capture a complicated character perfectly, warming the hearts of even the most jaded movie goer.
The journey around India makes this film into so much more than just a simple story of love. We see a birds-eye view of the sprawling slums, a dark, chaotic run through the train stations and the Taj Mahal in all its glory. India, often foreign and removed to most, is displayed in all it’s glory, both the majestic and the impoverished.
The tales from Jamal’s childhood are funny, tragic and resilient. His brother, Salim, is teetering on the edge of becoming a gangster, yet still tries to protect his younger brother. When they are orphaned, they must work together to survive, hustling tourists, selling goods and even stealing if need be. Their childhood view on the world doesn’t have the restraints grown-ups so often put on their own limitations. They can do everything. They must.
Everyone should see this film. If only to be reminded of the beautiful coincidences of life. If only to hope for the future of film. If only to be inspired by the power of love. Go. See it.
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