Life makes you wise. Destiny is written but we choose how to reach it.

Rating: 10/10 (16 March 2009)

I went to watch this movie with regular expectations. I mean, I knew Danny Boyle (the mastermind behind "Trainspotting") was the Director so I expected great things.
Let me say that Danny Boyle is some sort of genius. Why? Well, he knows what to combine and make it an instant success. For example, the soundtrack. Who would know that mixing Indian music with techno/hip-hop influences would be a hit?. Who would say that setting a tale involving love, betrayal, Indian culture and criticism against Politics and culture in India would be that interesting? Danny Boyle knows when to do something memorable.
He did it with "Trainspotting" in the X-Generation and makes a new landmark film this millennium.
"SM" gave me more than expected and I will try to convince you why this is one of the greatest achievements in recent film history...
First, the plot. It gets as simple as describing that a very poor guy that lives on the most disgraceful zone of Mumbai wins the Indian equivalent of "Who Wants to be a Millonaire?" but Indian authorities believe he was cheating.
How did such a poor and supposedly ignorant boy win a contest of knowledge?. Well, my answer, and without fear of making a mistake, is that destiny and his hard life made him wise. I mean, through many events that dealt with his mother's death, the betrayal of his brother, the loss of his love interest of his life, witnessing crimes (young boys getting their eyes burned, mafia gangs, murders), living in poverty, etc; he stood up his principles and fought back trying to recover his long lost love and build his destiny.
There were some haunting moments that will stick for a long time in my mind... plenty of symbolism. First, when Jamal and Malik, after watching their mother being killed, watch a divine appearance from Rham. The Goddess appears on a key moment when religious hatred is happening and changes Jamal's life forever. Jamal later tells that if it wasn't for Rham and Alah, his mother would've never died. That scene was powerful, meant a lot.
Then when Jamal and Salim escape Mamann's attacks, when they're leaving on the train they watch poor, invalid, sad Latike in the middle of the mist, night with no apparent future. Then the scene is repeated with M.I.A.'S "Paper Planes" song in the background. Excellent moment! Now a classic in my book.
Then the ending... The powerful ending. The collage of moments Jamal remembers were extremely moving for my tastes. I mean, when he remembers the big Indian star that gives him the autograph, then when they watch their mother before being killed, then remember himself as a boy, and the most touching, moving scene...remembering Salim smiling next to him.
Well, there are MANY more moments that will stay with you for a long time. Also, all the Three Musketeers references were excellent and demonstrate that as a child you can learn a lot in school but it's life that makes you wiser.
The directing is excellent. Danny Boyle gives us a fast paced, beautifully shot tale of fantasy and hard moments settled in poor India. The cinematography is just perfect for the movie. Mr. Boyle is a modern director and his techniques are nowhere else to be found. Thank you.
The acting is superb. Dave Patel shines through the movie but it's all about the little actors who deliver tender, adorable, and moving performances. The three of them deserve more recognition and more roles. Excellent choice. Freida Pinto is not only super sexy, but she delivers a fine romantic performance. Anil Kapoor delivers a strong but hatred performance. He's an excellent actor. The rest of the cast is strong and believable. Not a conventional Bollywood experience.
The soundtrack is just PERFECT. It fits perfectly with the movie's tone and gives a new meaning to Boyle's work. Marvelous combination.
Overall, this movie is a modern masterpiece that will stick in your mind. It's a great experience for those who are into Boyle's work and for those who are into "something different".
There is way more to tell about this movie but it would be unfair to spoil it. Please give it a chance and witness why it's the best movie of the year.