Pretty darn good...

Rating: 8/10 (4 February 2009)

So on Saturday my husband and I decided to go to a movie. We originally went to the theatre to see Revolutionary Road but at the last minute I decided that Slumdog Millionaire would be a better choice to see with him and that I could see the RR next time when I go alone. I must admit  I had done a stellar job at avoiding trailers and interviews for Slumdog. I had no clue what it was about. None. And like I usually suggest  try to do this as often as possible. The less you know about a movie going in  the better. In saying that, if you have not seen the movie, I actually suggest you do not read more of what I write about it. Let the film be seen through fresh eyes.
Slumdog Millionaire, directed by Danny Boyle, is one of the best underdog type movies I have seen. But because of that, don't think it is a straight forward or as common as those we are used to popping up in Cineplex's across the country. I actually think of this movie as a cross between Hoosiers, The Usual Suspects and Red Dawn. Except...it is nothing like any of those movies. So figure that one out!! SM takes place in Mumbai, India. The main character, Jamal played by British actor, Dev Patel, is a contestant on India's most popular television show, 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire'. In India, this show is much more popular than it ever was in the US and the host is considered an idol. Jamal shocks the audience, crew and police by answering every question correctly. When they break for the day, just before the 20 million rupee question, Jamal is taken into custody on the grounds of suspected cheating. Believing that a 'slumdog' such as Jamal could know so much was impossible for those in charge.
After an entire night of questioning and what most of us would consider torture, Jamal goes on to explain what circumstances throughout his life brought to him the answers he needed to win the millions. Throughout the flashbacks, as he tells his story, the viewer delves deeper and deeper in to the lives of these gorgeous Indian children whom were orphaned in the slums of Mumbai. As they grew and faced obstacles the majority of the world could not even imagine we are given story lines which are very fresh and original to the typical American audience.
Within this movie there is the magic of rooting for the unlikely, for true love, for justice and for mere survival. I wanted to see Revolutionary Road that day because I was feeling pretty somber and actually needed a good cry. Turns out what I needed indeed was a good cry, but through a smile.
While I am usually reeled in by characters and dialogue when it comes to my favorites  with Slumdog, I was drawn in by the remarkable cinematography, film editing and soundtrack. The camera work is artistic without being obnoxious. At the beginning of the movie there is a series of aerial shots of the aluminum roofs which cover the slum homes. It was a marvelous view of the massive poverty in which we were about to witness. The direction was just flawless. This is an all around beautifully made film with a beautiful story about beautiful children. So I guess I give it two beautiful thumbs up ;-)