Slumdog Millionaire is an excellent film.

Rating: Null/10 (30 July 2011)

Slumdog Millionaire is a film that follows the life of Jamal (Dev Patel), his brother Salim (Madhur Mittal), and Jamal's love interest Latika (Freida Pinto) as they struggle to survive in the slums of India. Jamal and Salim become orphans after a riot claims the life of their mother. As they flee the violence they meet Latika who is also an orphan. Although all three characters are critical to the development of the story, the central focus is on Jamal.
At first, Salim is reluctant to take in Latika, but Jamal convinces Salim by proposing the idea that she could be the unknown third musketeer. The three children live on the streets, struggling to survive. They are rescued from a dump by a gangster who forces them into begging. Once Salim discovers that the gangster blinds children to make more money, he runs with Jamal and Latika.
However, the three children are separated before they can make their escape. The story then follows Jamal and Salim's exploits throughout adolescence. Although they are separated, Jamal's affection for Latika remains. Over the course of years, Jamal and Latika reunite several times, but each time their union is fleeting.
In hopes of re-connecting with Latika, Jamal becomes a contestant on India's version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire. While Jamal is competing on the show, his life is revealed in a series of flashbacks. These memories serve to explain the source of his knowledge; a fact he is forced to explain to the police once he is arrested on suspicion of cheating. The police inspector is adequately satisfied with Jamal's explanation and allows him to return to the show.
The special effects of the film promote continuity between scenes. They provide seamless transitions from past to present and vice versa. Sound effects such as voice-over and fading, combined with optical effects like vertical wiping, create subtle transitions. These techniques reinforce the focus on Jamal's character and enrich the overall film experience.
Another way that sound is utilized in this film is through music. The musical score is artfully juxtaposed with each image and highlights the emotional experience of each turn of events in Jamal's life. A unique blend of traditional and contemporary Indian music brings continuity to the transitions and adds cultural flavor to the film.
Slumdog Millionaire is an excellent film. In much the same way as other great films, such as Citizen Kane, Jamal's character is superbly developed through the use of flashbacks. The skillful editing creates a unique experience free from distractions, allowing the viewer to focus on Jamal's story.