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What it's about:
Eighteen-year-old Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) is on the verge of winning the Indian edition of game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire? But his success has made the authorities suspicious: because Jamal is an uneducated young man who grew up in the slums, how is it possible that he knows the answers to any of the questions? Jamal is soon being subjected to some heavy-handed interrogation at the hands of a Mumbai police sergeant (Saurabh Shukla). To prove his innocence, Jamal explains how he answered each of the questions he has been asked so far – and in the process, the young 'slumdog' tells his life story. From his childhood struggles trying to survive with brother Salim (Madhur Mittal) by his side, and meeting a young girl named Latika (Freida Pinto), it’s a wild ride…
What we thought of it:
By now, every dedicated moviegoer knows that the making of Slumdog Millionaire is an almost exact replica of the story told in the movie: a rags-to-riches tale of a person who starts out with zero prospects in life and ends up with just about everything you could ask for.. The fact that it’s won eight Oscars, including Best Film and Best Director, means that whatever I write about this little $13-million movie isn’t going to make much difference. Hordes of people will watch the film simply because it’s one of those must-see multiple award-winners that people will talk about and refer to for years to come.
So here’s my advice: don’t expect too much from Slumdog. As you’ll know if you’ve read the charming novel on which it’s based (Vikus Swarup’s Q&A) the story is really not much more than a contemporary fable, albeit one that also provides a vivid, unforgettable snapshot of what life is like for millions of children in India today.
Jamal, Salim and Latika struggle through young lives that encompass extreme poverty, deprivation and, at times, appalling abuse – but the film’s fairy-tale ending (complete with fabulous Bollywood-style dance number) is clearly predetermined from the start. Or predestined, if you like.
So if you go to see Slumdog expecting incisive commentary on Third World poverty and its effect on children, or a heroic personal struggle against the odds that reveals something profound and new about humanity, you’ll be disappointed. Instead, bear those other six Oscars in mind, jump on board the Slumdog Express and lose yourself in Jamal’s crazy ride. Then you can expect to be swept along by the clever plotting, the brilliant editing and the breathtaking cinematography.
You’ll also be gobsmacked by the superb work of the child performers (who make their screen debut as Jamal, Salim and Latika in their formative years) and tapping your foot to the sublime soundtrack. And if you aren’t in a great mood when the credits have rolled, I’ll be very surprised.
