Movie Review: Slumdog Millionaire

I rented “Slumdog Millionaire” hoping it would live up to the hype it received and it does. The film follows a young man who lived his childhood years homeless in the slums of Mumbai, India. The story is adapted from the novel by Vikas Swarup with the screenplay changing elements of the original book content for the movie. Jamal, the lead character, ends up as a contestant on the Indian version of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” and we see in flashbacks how his life in the slums gave him insight into answers he chooses during the show.

Overall the performances are engaging, particularly those of Dev Patel as Jamal and Anil Kapoor as the host of the show, along with the young children of the cast. Viewers should be forewarned due to additions to the original storyline there are  some violent scenes in the film.

“Slumdog Millionaire” won 8 well deserved Oscars for this film including best director and best picture of the year. The use of color in the cinematography is spectacular and conveys the brilliant colors of India. The direction of the film is what sets it apart along with the riveting screenplay, outstanding cinematography and precise editing of the film.

The film conveys the message of destiny in life through Jamal’s character. “Slumdog Millionaire” is a “must see” film, an uplifting story that will make you root for its humble hero.

2008. Directed by Danny Boyle. English with subtitles. Starring Dev Patel, Anil Kapoor, Freida Pinto, Saurabh Shukla, Madhur Mittal, Ayush Mahesh Khedekar, Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail, Rubina Ali, Tanay Chheda, Ashutosh Lobo Gajiwala and Tanvi Ganesh Lonkar.

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