I am impressed

Rating: 9/10 (5 April 2009)

It's hard to know what to say about "Slumdog Millionaire," but I will do my best to put my feelings to words. The simplest way I can express my thoughts on this film is to say that I am impressed. First of all, this film has a completely unique concept, something very refreshing to someone like me who has seen quite a few movies. The plot involves a young man who has lived in the slums of India his whole life. When he has a chance to go on India's version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," he knows the answers to nearly all the questions. He is arrested on the belief that he is cheating, since someone who has lived a life such as his should not know as much as he does. The rest of the film is told in flashbacks as he tells his life story, and how events in his life helped him know all of these answers. It's a fascinating story, especially when told in this manner. Although the plot seems fairly predictable, you'll find yourself watching every scene carefully to catch the details that make it interesting, and you'll soon realize that almost anything you predicted about the plot is wrong. I also liked this film because although it was a drama, the events were never so heavy and depressing that the film was unwatchable. The film is an eye-opener to the conditions of the slums in India, but there are some funny moments as well, such as the young boy pretending to be a tour guide of the Taj Majal, though he clearly knows nothing about it. Perhaps it's not an absolutely perfect film, since the events of the man's life and the questions on the show can be a bit coincidentally. Truthfully, however, I didn't mind. This is a watchable, moving film that entertains and fascinates. Recommended, and worthy of Best Picture.
***1/2 out of ****