One of the year's best!! Danny Boyle delivers another masterpiece of film

Rating: 10/10 (10 January 2009)

Slumdog Millionaire is a true cinematic achievement; a fast-paced, exhilarating and gritty drama with an amazing cast and interesting story. I will not be surprised if this is rewarded at all the upcoming award ceremonies. Danny Boyle has taken what is a seemingly basic story about a young man on India's version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" and transformed it into a realistic, powerful and, at times, gut-wrenching Dickensian picture. It is a journey through the slums of India, and what a journey it is, at times funny, at times incredibly sad and disturbing, but always captivating from start to finish. This is another masterpiece in the vein of Trainspotting - a stunningly original piece of film-making.
This is one of those independent films that grabs audiences by surprise. This is not the summer blockbuster, this is more like Little Miss Sunshine, a piece of art that will not be seen by everyone, but will be treasured by those who see it. It is interesting to note that not all of the film is in English, but some Hindi, and the subtitles are placed rather uniquely, but suit the eccentric tone of the film. Do not let this prevent you from seeing it, in fact, it should encourage people to see it, as this should be viewed by everyone (especially younger audiences who take what they have for granted). Funnily enough Simon Beaufoy's script was originally entirely in English, but Boyle's decision to have the Indian kids speak in Hindi is the right. Having the children speaking in their native tongue makes perfect sense, especially because Boyle and Beaufoy depict the realism of the children's situation very well.
Boyle and Beaufoy (bravely) do not shy away from showing the squalor of Bombay. These kids live in deplorable conditions amid the sewers and trash dumps of the slums. And, yet, thanks to Boyle's true ingenuity, he creates many humorous moments in the slums. Slumdog Millionaire is a dramatic comedy at heart; a film about friendship, gratitude, love, betrayal, poverty and hope. It will make you laugh, weep and cheer as you can't help but marvel at Boyle's talent as a director. Everything Boyle does, including the Bollywood touches, makes sense. There's so much kinetic energy in this film that it is impossible not to be enthralled by it.
"Slumdog Millionaire" is not to be missed. It is the best movie of the year. And it is one of the ten best films of the decade.
5/5