"Slumdog Millionaire" is an impressive, visceral piece of film-making that captures the romance of a memorable movie going experience.

Rating: 10/10 (4 January 2009)

What begins as a ferocious, gritty film initiating the likes of a Martin Scorsese crime drama, quickly catapults itself into one of the most endearing films of the year. With the energy of a high octane thriller, to the subtle, tender romance of young love, director Danny Boyle's operatic "Slumdog Millionaire" is an impressive, visceral piece of film-making that captures the romance of a memorable movie going experience. From the violent opening, to the Bollywood-like dance number at the end, "Slumdog Millionaire" is without a doubt one the year's best.
Using his life's experiences to successfully answer questions on India's version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?," Jamal Malik (Dev Patel), is one question away from landing the game's top prize: 20 million rupees. As soon as the show's ticking clock runs out, Jamal is immediately taken into police custody where he is brutally interrogated when he is accused of cheating. Carefully taking the time to explain his situation to a police inspector (played by Irrfan Khan), Jamal reminisces about his nostalgic childhood with his brother Salim, and childhood sweetheart, Lakita, and explains his true intent on why he's on India's highly watched television show: to find his love, Latika, who is a fan of the show.
A story of this magnitude could have easily been told within the conventions of a mediocre romantic thriller that reeks anything Hollywood has attempted to produce in the last 10 years. Instead, director Danny Boyle, who gave drug addicts their will in "Trainspotting" and zombies their aggressive agility in 28 Days Later, has crafted a film of the highest caliber by injecting it with a heavy doses of heart-pounding excitement. Boyle's camera captures the dilapidated backdrops of "Slumdog Millionaire" in a new light by showcasing a devastatingly poverty stricken India, which is emotionally heartbreaking yet oddly engaging. Boyle, once again, proves that a film doesn't need expensive visual effects and overpaid movie stars to be a powerfully emotionally enthralling film. Boyle's technique is superb and it's evident in every inch of this film.
Set within the beat down slums of India, outside the comforting, pleasing film aesthetics most films opt for, "Slumdog Millionaire" creates a visually stimulating environment by igniting every frame with fantasy like elements. Though grim undertones prevail the film, "Slumdog Millionaire", in the end, leaves one with a euphoric feeling of enlightenment. With the illustrative cinematography of Anthony Dod Mantle, Boyle not only captures a striking narrative; but a voyeuristic, genuine way of life that is rarely captured on film. Unlike most films, "Slumdog Millionaire" doesn't allow it's audience to remain passive; instead, it's energetic power grabs a hold of you and doesn't let go. It's breathtaking.
With their first full length under their belt, Dev Patel and Freida Pinto bring soaring vitality to the roles of Jamal and Latika. Because the story is structured as a thriller with tiny hints of a Shakespeare love story, Patel and Pinto add a fiercely energetic boost to the picture through their charm. Established Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor fills the role of the conniving game show host Prem Kumar, who unleashes a threatening bag of tricks toward Jamal.
Because "Slumdog Millionaire" features pitch perfect direction and noteworthy performances, the film leaves audiences sucker punched by its astonishing amazement. It's a dazzling, pulse pounding film that'll have you cheering with joy. Boyle, throughout the years, has delivered a versatile amount of work; all of which pertains to people that are trying to survive. To date, Danny Boyle has crafted a film of epic proportions, "Slumdog Millionaire" is a masterpiece that is sure to be talked about in years to come.