This movie stands among good company: Los olvidados & Cidade de Deus

Rating: 9/10 (26 January 2009)

Slumdog Millionaire is a good movie, but not unique. However, it stands among very good company: Luis Buñuel's classic "Los olvidados", and Cidade de Deus. Having said that, Slumdog Millionaire introduces some original elements, specially the way the story is told. The main character is Jamal, a young Muslim boy from the slums. He enters a very popular game show: "Who Wants to be a Millionaire". Jamal is an unlikely contestant, coming from the slums and without proper schooling. He does not fit the typical demographic profile of the show's contestants. However, as he is asked the questions, Jamal remembers his various growing up experiences, having flashbacks of his past, putting together a challenging and tragic life story. The Show Host, thinks he is cheating and calls the police on him. He is tortured and while explaining how he came to the answers, he recounts his brutal life. The story is about two brothers (Jamal and Prem) and a female friend (Latika). They share cruel tragedies that mark them from a very early age, becoming orphans and having to survive in the ruthless urban slums. Jamal and his brother take different routes in life. While Jamal works, Prem becomes an enforcer for a mobster. But before the brothers separation, in typical Cain treachery, Prem takes away Jamal's female friend and only love, Latika. Throughout the movie, Jamal is obsessed with her and his attempts of trying to find Latika become an fundamental part of the story. There is some fine acting, specially by the kids. I am sure movie lovers will want to buy the DVD as soon as it comes out.