Slumdog Millionaire is a modern-day fairytale. Set in Mumbai, India in 2006, the movie tells the story of Jamal Malik who, as the movie opens, is one question away from winning the ultimate prize of 20 million rupees on India’s version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire. The problem–the host and police do not believe that a young man from the slums of India and who peddles tea to call center employees for a living could possibly know the answers without cheating. The film then goes through a series of flashbacks in episodes of Jamal’s life and how he came to know the answers to each of the questions. Through these flashbacks, we are introduced to Jamal’s life with his brother Salim as poor boys living by their wits and ingenuity.
Directed by Danny Boyle, the film has a frenetic pace that delves you deep in the impoverished life of its characters. The story is definitely influenced by Oliver Twist. In some ways, it also reminded me of the film City of God, particularly in its visual interpretations of the slums where the boys live and the story arc of Salim who ultimately turns to crime to cope with his poverty. Unlike City of God, Slumdog is a bit less violent (except for a few torture scenes which were a bit hard to watch) and definitely more optimistic because the driving force behind Jamal is an inherent sense of optimism and love for his childhood sweetheart Latika. Actually, Jamal is not on the gameshow for money, but for Latika, hoping that she will see him on television and they can find each other again. In one scene when Latika has become the kept woman of a powerful criminal, Jamal asks her to run away with him and when she asks how they will live, he replies simply, ”On love.” Fairytale answer, but you believe in Jamal’s earnestness.
In addition to the optimism and the thrill of rooting for the underdog, another aspect of the film that will capture your attention is the pulsing soundtrack and score by A.R. Rahman which features a mix of M.I.A.’s song “Paper Planes.” The song which speaks of riding trains almost seems as if it were written expressly for the film. Also, be sure to sit through the credits to get a little taste of Bollywood.
The film has been nominated for a Golden Globe for Film of the Year (drama), Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Score.
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I agree with the review. I loved the soundtrack and thought the film was very well done. The young actors were outstanding! When I reflect on the movie, one of my more poignant thoughts is that I am reminded that in many places in the world children are disposable and it makes me very sad.