Brutality, Corruption, Abhorrence, Drama and Romance intertwine in Boyle's magnificently directed glance into life in the slums of India

Rating: 8/10 (28 January 2009)

Slumdog Millionaire examines the life of Jamal Malik whose troubled background ranges from struggling to live in a Mumbai slum as a child to narrowly escaping murdering organ sellers. The basis lies in Jamal's stint as a contestant on Who Wants to be a Millionaire. He is one day away receiving the question worth the grand prize of 20 million rupees, yet Jamal's slumdog background rouses suspicion about how he is really getting these questions correct. A violent interrogation ensues in which Jamal explains how it was so that he answered all the questions correctly. From this, the film switches back and forth to Jamal's past which links masterfully to the questions asked. The editing was stunning; the story slowly reveals that Jamal isn't cheating, he is just experiencing some amazing luck! Stupid it may seem but this abstract concept is an expression of fate and destiny; yet this isn't a simple rags to riches story we have seen before.
Boyle examines the cold, brutal, corrupt life that is lived in the slums that I can't help but link to City of God. We slowly learn about the somewhat dysfunctional yet beautiful brotherly relationship between Jamal and Salim which leads to a poignant conclusion. Boyle uses a bona fide directing style, oozing with eccentricity, encapsulating the horror of the slums and utilising some truly memorable shots. The film was stunning on the eye, a magnum opus of directorial achievement.
Not only was the brutality envisaged stunningly, the compassionate romance between Jamal and Latika was a great inclusion. Although the film could have held its own without it, it added some well-needed happiness to an otherwise grave and morbid mood the film has.
The non-linearity and flamboyancy of this picture has won it a dream-like critical acclaim dominating award ceremonies across the cinematic world. At first I didn't agree yet after watching this inspirational film, I can see what the appeal is. The film was entertaining, it plays with your emotions, makes you cry with sadness and happiness. Slumdog Millionaire is truly sensational yet I don't see it being film of the year.
The Oscars has given it an astonishing 10 nominations. I feel it deserves, best director, best editing, best sound editing and best cinematography. Gasp you may say by the fact that i don't think it deserves best picture. Well to be honest, best picture is going to be very close this year. Benjamin Button I can see being film of the year. But we shall see.
As for Dev Patel, I'm not going to praise him highly for his performance despite it being faultless. His role wasn't a complex one yet he played it to the best that it could have been played. He doesn't deserve his BAFTA nomination and rightfully didn't get an Oscar nomination. Other powerhouse performances (Sean Penn, Mickey Rourke) this year easily overshadow his performance. Freida Pinto was fine as Latika and the actor portraying Salim was excellent. All in all, the cast didn't have one poor performance which is required in such a film. A lack of intensity could have destroyed this film.
Slumdog Millionaire is poignant, shocking and ultimately astonishing. It explores the slums of Mumbai whilst building an inspirational story of fate, love and determination. Boyle has really pulled one out the bag this year.
Oscars will be close this year.
8.5/10