Review: Slumdog Millionaire

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Review: Slumdog Millionaire

Despite some of the controversies surrounding Slumdog Millionaire, this Indian fairytale is one of the most moving and provocative films I have seen for some time. Directed by Danny Boyle, famous director of Trainspotting and several other classics, it is sure to be winning some awards in the near future.
Based on the book Q&A by Vikas Swarup it depicts the life of Jamal Malik. Opening on a scene of Jamal being interrogated to determine how he has cheated to get so far on the game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire, it goes on to show, through a series of flashbacks, how each answer he has given so far has had a special meaning to him due to his life experiences.
As these flashbacks include horrific episodes such as the blinding of children in order to increase their value as beggars, the term ‘feel-good film’ has been debated. In my opinion these appalling scenes serve to increase its merit as a feel-good film when you reach the happy ending, however boring it may be of me to praise happy endings in films. However, before you reach the end the film evokes an array of varying emotions and asks questions about morals I would not like to answer, and this is part of what makes the film so striking.
This is not all the film achieves; it is also visually stunning. With India as its backdrop the film creates some truly beautiful images. Furthermore it has a soundtrack which is good enough to be listened to on its own.
In my eyes there is unfortunately one drawback, the believability of the relationship between Jamal and Latika is harmed by the fact that the actors playing their grown up versions look as if they have about ten years separating them. Jamal looks like he belongs in school rather than rescuing a beautiful grown woman and building a life with her. This factor however does not take away from my enjoyment of the film as its other merits more than make up for this small hiccup.
As for the controversies surrounding the film the main accusation levelled at Slumdog Millionaire is that it is India seen through Western eyes, and it is unrealistic. Surely though, India seen through Western eyes is better than India not seen at all, and this film certainly makes you look and think about India and India’s slums.
All in all this is a film not to be missed.

Frederica Dixon

Information on the film: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1010048/

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIzbwV7on6Q