It's About the Girl

Rating: 10/10 (9 February 2009)

Young Jamal (Dev Patel) is a contestant on the verge of winning 20 million rupees on the Indian version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" How it is it possible that orphaned "slumdog" Jamal can answer all the questions so far, when so many others have failed? Sergeant Srinivas (stalwart Saurabh Shukla) would also like to know, in his interrogation of suspected cheat Jamal. I had heard about much of the storyline of Director Danny Boyle's "Slumdog Millionaire" prior to finally seeing it. The "Millionaire" game show plot device initially on the surface seems contrived, as a way for Writer Simon Beaufoy to explore the story of Jamal through a series of riveting and captivating flashbacks.
However, about half an hour through the movie I got it: "It's about the girl." Perhaps, midway through, there is a scene of movie magic where direction, story, and performance culminate together. Jamal waits for the love of his life Latika (stunningly beautiful Freida Pinto) at the train station. Jamal is distraught thinking Latika has dismissed him. Suddenly, she arrives. She looks up and sees Jamal, and lets out a smile. Not a word is spoken. It's about the girl.
"Slumdog Millionaire" is a timeless love story, and the best movie of the year. "Slumdog Millionaire" follows the story of Jamal, Latika, and Jamal's older brother Salim (Madhur Mittal) from the time they were orphaned children to now. Theirs is a story of tragedy, innocence lost, courage, and love. Danny Boyle is the mesmerizing and poignant storyteller. Simon Beaufoy's screenplay based on the novel "Q & A" by Vikas Swarup is beautiful and touching. All the actors, who play the lead characters at various stages of their lives, are amazing and authentic. Boyle generates the enrolling spirit throughout "Slumdog Millionaire"-- the story he tells is passionate and inspiring.
Jamal and Salim become orphans as children following a Muslim massacre. They befriend orphaned Latika. Latika is destined to become the love of Jamal's life. They are all taken in by a ruthless group that enslaves children as beggars. Jamal and Salim manage to escape, but lose Latika. Years later Jamal and Salim rescue Latika, but at the cost of Salim's very soul. Salim chooses the dark path, one from which he can not return. Jamal is really now alone. His redemption may lie in "Millionaire", but not for the obvious reasons. His is for love and for Latika.
Eventually, Jamal reunites with Salim and grown up Latika. Life has not turned out as all had envisioned. At the story arc Jamal confesses to Latika, "I love you." She replies, "It's too late." She implores Jamal, "Forget me." Dev Patel and Freida Pinto are amazing, and the heart and soul of "Slumdog Millionaire". Yes, it's about the girl. More to the point: it's about the power of the human spirit, and love. There is tremendous pain and suffering, and at the same time deep compassion, selfless sacrifice, and redemption. "Slumdog Millionaire" is a very special movie.