A MILLION REASONS TO LOVE SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (2008)
How can a poor boy from the slums know all the answers? Did he cheat or was he born a genius? In the film, SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) is an 18-year-old contestant on India's "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire." Suspicion arises as this uneducated orphan answers each question correctly, leading to Jamal's arrest and interrogation by police. As he is tortured, Jamal tells his story.
Jamal begins his story as a child playing in the slums with his older brother Salim. However Jamal's life is changed forever when his mother is killed in a riot attack. Jamal escapes the riot with his brother and a little girl named Latika, whom Jamal loves from the beginning. The three band together for survival and are taken in by a seemingly good man who runs an "orphanage." After discovering the man's intentions, Jamal, Salim, and Latika run away, but Latika ends up being left behind. Will Jamal ever find Latika again?
I could give you a complete synopsis but I don't want to sit here and give away the entire film...Instead,
I will say why I loved the film--just a few of the million reasons :-) :
* This movie is so well written, intertwined with questions, answers, imagery and flashbacks to support how Jamal knew the answers. It really captures the humanity and heart of the characters. The audience lives the humbling human experience through Jamal's life. It's not just a story about survival and money--most importantly it's a story about love and how love is needed to survive in the most difficult and life threatening situations.
* The camera shots and editing makes the film an exciting ride. The scene where they are chased by the police is a well crafted, fun, scenic ride through the slum maze of Mumbai. I was amazed by the wonderful camera work and shots in such a tight and narrow and crowded environment.
* Gorgeous cinematography and location-- I've always wanted to go to India some day...Watching the film I think I went to India and came back! From the shantytowns of Mumbai to the majestic architecture of Taj Mahal--it was a total feast for the eyes.
* The film gives a great insight of Indian culture and society today, especially the country's socio-economic conditions, from the extremely poor to the extremely rich.
* The music is awesome. It definitely adds to the excitement to the chase scene as little Jamal and his brother turn each corner and jump from rooftop to rooftop. I totally grooved to the bollywood beat throughout the movie, lol. It also features music from M.I.A... I loved the music so much that I've bought the soundtrack from itunes.
* This movie shows that you don't have to be a genius to know the answers. A person can have the highest degree but that person's intelligence wouldn't compare to another's life experience on the streets.
* The actors are really talented...especially the child actors. Newcomer, Dev Patel, is not only good looking, but he really captures the integrity of his character Jamal.
*It's not all serious and depressing...this film has its hilarious parts too!! There is this one scene where little Jamal had to dive in a pile of poo to get an autograph...OMG...as my friend Mayra says, "The film literally shows that you have to go through SH*T to get what you want!"
* A real feel good movie! It's a story of hope and rising above the odds. No matter what your religion is, it's a story of fate and what is meant to be...
There are a few movies that are so good that I'd actually put in energy to write a review for. This movie is one of the few. In fact, it is up there along with my favorite film, AMELIE. I wholeheartedly believe this movie is worthy of an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, and Danny Boyle for Best Director.
Bottom line-- Watch SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE and you'll truly feel like a winner! :-)