Danny Boyle hits the money (ho ho)

Rating: 8/10 (31 December 2008)

To call this a return to form for Danny Boyle would do an injustice to Sunshine and 28 Days Later, two decent efforts since the marvel of British cinema that was Trainspotting (still in my top 10), but Slumdog Millionaire certainly reminds us of his directing talent.
This movie is all about fantastic direction and vision. The Indian slum setting is reminiscent of City Of God, and the manner in which a sense of adventure is brought out is excellent.
This is the story of a boy who from nothing came within one question of becoming a millionaire just through the amazing experiences life had thrown at him. The romantic element is not overblown and dealt with in appropriate delicacy but this is not a story of romance, this is a story of inspiration, achievement and dealing with what life brings, whether that be sewage or mobsters.
It will have a commercial impact simply through being an Indian set movie made by a British director, but an audience from far outside these boundaries can feel the emotional power and take inspiration from this. Impressive effort!!