Slumdog Millionaire

Directed by: Danny Boyle

MPAA Rating: R for violence, disturbing images and language

Runtime: 2 Hrs.

Theatrical Release: November 12, 2008 (Limited Release)

Notable Cast: Dev Patel, Irrfan Khan, Anil Kapoor, Madhur Mittal
Introduction: Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) is a street kid (or “slumdog”) who has landed an appearance on India’s version of the hit TV game show WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE? Jamal exceeds expectations on the show, and the producers alert the police after they become suspicious of his methods. The young contestant is subsequently arrested and is interrogated at the hands of a nameless police inspector (played by Bollywood star Irfan Khan). As the interrogation proceeds, Boyle tells Jamal’s story through harrowing flashbacks that both show the terrible poverty of Mumbai and help explain how he knew the answers to the MILLIONAIRE questions. – Rotten Tomatoes

DIRECTING: Danny Boyle is constantly re-inventing his directing. He continues this trend with Slumdog Millionaire. Boyle’s previous films include: Trainspotting, 28 Days Later and Sunshine. In each he brought fresh ideas and creative storytelling. However, he rarely receives critical acclaim as a director. In Slumdog Millionaire, Boyle takes his skills and ideas to another level giving the audience a story they will never forget. The film is shot completely in Mumbai, India. He uses an entire cast of relatively inexperienced native Indian actors and guides them to instant stardom. Boyle continues to create thought provoking movies ripe with substance.

Score = 5 out of 5

ACTING: All of the actors in Slumdog Millionaire are fairly unknown. There are child actors straight from the slums of Mumbai that shine. Dev Patel plays the older version of Jamal. He plays the character with so much feeling, vividly depicting the emotions with his facial expressions. Irfan Khan is another notable actor in the film. He plays the police inspector who listens to Jamal’s life story. The interaction between these two characters is outstanding. The entire cast does an excellent job. Overall, the acting in Slumdog Millionaire only adds to the compelling storytelling; it could not have been better.

Score = 4.5 out of 5

CINEMATOGRAPHY\EDITING: The cinematography and editing in Slumdog Millionaire is distinctively Boyle’s. It has an urban feel and a genuine authenticity. Toward the beginning of the film there is a scene of children running through the slums of Mumbai. It is shot so skillfully you feel you are there in the city, running with them. The editing in the film is better than average, but not spectacular. There are a few points where it stands out, but the majority of the movie is average in its editing.

Score = 4 out of 5

PLOT: The plot of Slumdog Millionaire gets fairly repetitive in its use of flashbacks. It is about a boy and his brother trying to survive the slums of Mumbai. One of them ends up on WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE. The story then proceeds through flashbacks while Jamal is a contestant on the game show. It is a film about destiny. It shows Jamal in his young years, then his teen years, and finally the present where the decision Jamal makes on the final answer will forever change his life.

Score = 4 out of 5

REDEMPTIVE VALUE: The theme of the film is destiny. The two brothers Jamal and Salim start their journey through life together, but they end up in very different places. The film questions how much control we really have over our own lives, and how much is left to destiny. This is an interesting theme to examine in film. The audience may come away from the film feeling good about the story. But questions will remain about the destiny of the ‘slumdogs.’ The theme sharply contrasts the caste system present in places like Mumbai. The story analyzes the depravity of societies and the way that dramatic change can occur. Ultimately it is a story of liberation and freedom.

Score = 4.5 out of 5

CONCLUSION: Slumdog Millionaire is a thought provoking film. It is also a film that celebrates life. Parents should be aware that there are a few scenes with disturbing images of small children. There is some language used by children as well. If you are looking to watch a movie that will have you celebrating life with tears of joy than Slumdog Millionaire may be the film for you to see.

Overall Score = 4.5 out of 5