When I first heard of the movie, I didn’t really know what it was about. Of course, once I heard all about the nominations and awards that it has received, I just couldn’t help but stop and take notice. Hence this post, which is essentially a review of Slumdog Millionaire, which by the way, is a favorite for the upcoming Oscars.
About the movie – one should not really be surprised at the experience that the movie offers. With Danny Boyle in the director’s chair, the movie was in good hands. To refresh your memory, Danny Boyle equals Trainspotting, The Beach, 28 Days Later, Millions, and Sunshine. Once again, he showcased his talent of creating a dynamic movie in Slumdog Millionaire.
Set in India – which is as dynamic as dynamic can be with the myriad of colors, sounds, and sights – the plot revolves around the life of Jamal Malik, a slumdog orphan. His lif is about to change its course – for the better – as he faces the final question in the TV game show, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Although that point is a major part of the movie, it is not only about winning the game show. In fact, it showcases a much broader idea, the idea of struggling against the odds of economics and even the odds of finding one’s soulmate.
The actors – especially Dev Patel, the lead actor – are brilliant and bring the characters to life. The hilarity seemed so real to me as I watched the movie and at the same time, I could really feel the struggles that were going on – both figuratively and literally. This is a movie that you have to experience for yourself in order to truly appreciate its essence.