The sociological ramifications of Slumdog Millionaire in the United States

Rating: 10/10 (14 February 2009)

Slumdog Millionaire, in addition to being one of the most perfect films I have ever seen, has some very real sociological ramifications in the U.S. Ever since 9/11, there has been a feeling of being uncomfortable around those people with brown skin--from the Middle East, from the sub-Continent, indeed even from Latin America. I would say that Slumdog Millionaire is the first major award-winning film introducing to the audiences here in the U.S. a main character who is Muslim. (I'm trying to think of another movie--but I can't--the main character in Lawrence of Arabia was English--although most of the supporting roles were Muslim--but that's as close as it comes.) The audiences here are seeing Dev Patel--and are identifying with him, cheering him on, hoping he "gets the girl" (in addition to the money!) He is a person, a human being--and America is embracing his character. I know this seems like a real exaggeration--but I think it is not all that far-fetched-- to say that in the same year that we elect a half-African American president, we will be giving an Oscar to a film that celebrates the joys and life of a brown-skinned character from the sub- continent, and a Muslim at that. I never thought I would ever see either in my lifetime--but in one fell swoop, it has happened within the same year. Wow! There is hope--maybe there is destiny--that decency, human understanding and compassion will prevail--we are taught this by a big-eared president, and a big-eared lead character in a commercial movie!!
All the nay sayers about this film should be ignored--completely! It is not "Poverty Porn", it is not prejudicial or judgmental with regard to the country of India. It is not a contrived film, who's sole purpose is to provide manipulative entertainment. Yes--it uses an old-- fashioned, rags-to-riches, boy meets girl-boy loses girl-boy gets girl, where there are good guys and bad guys. This is a story with characters as old as the earliest Greek tragedies, and theatrical presentations from around the world and in cultures in every corner of every continent. But what makes this movie stand out is its glorious beauty, it's rich characterizations, it's basic human morality, it's mind-boggling artistry--I've seen the movie now 3 times--and each time I notice new wonderful details in terms of story line, pure film- making, and structure. This is a classic for the ages--that will live on as long as there are films being shown!
And above and beyond the film--is that in having the audience celebrating decency and love and hope and belief in all the possibilities of life--they are forging an understanding of a culture and a people who are no different than any other people--and in so doing, it is creating enduring human bonds and enduring human understanding--this is no small achievement!