Slumdog Millionaire Movie Review

By Adrea Storey

Slumdog Millionaire directed by Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan is a moving film of crime, drama, and romance. Released in January of 2009, it has already won many awards including that of 8 Oscars. There have been 92 other wins along with 39 other nominations. It was wildly successful, especially with younger adults or people in their late teens.
Dev Patel and Freida Pinto come together in a realistic portrayal of life in the slums of Mumbai, India and love’s driving forces. Jamal Malik (as an adult played by Patel) takes us through his past as he explains each correctly answered question on India’s version of the game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Having been accused of cheating he pleads his case to the authorities, and proves how he knew the answer to every question. We find that Jamal is competing so as to find his long lost love Latika (as an adult played by Pinto).
Jamal’s stories lead us through the thematic elements of life as an orphan in India. Violence, poverty, and love entwine to take us on a gripping rollercoaster ride of events. Although there are sad occurrences in the movie, it is overall a feel good story of coming out on top.
Music and Cinematography were brilliant in Slumdog Millionaire. Depictions of India whether of poverty or scenery/landmarks were both powerful. One scene in particular combined music and cinematography beautifully. This scene was when the two brothers Jamal and Salim escape from the corrupt orphanage and board a train leaving Mumbai. There is no dialogue, merely M.I.A.’s song Paper Planes playing. The scene is used as a transition to “age” the boys.
This was an extraordinary film. It brought attention to some of the world’s worst slums and the struggles people living in them face. The soundtrack was invigorating and youthful giving a hip spin to a serious movie. I give this movie five stars!

Adrea Storey can be reached at adreastorey@gmail.com