I’ve been wanting to watch Slumdog Millionaire for a long time but I just never got around to it. Other movies, combined with a busy schedule just didn’t give me a chance to check it out in theaters. I’m a huge fan of director Danny Boyle’s work, particularly 28 Days Later and Trainspotting. Finally I got the chance to watch this movie and see what all the hype was about, and I’m happy to say that the film did not dissappoint me at all.
Slumdog is the story of a young Indian Muslim named Jamal, who is selected to appear on India’s version of ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire.” The story begins where we see Jamal detained and beaten at the local police station since he is suspected of cheating on the show, as he is the only contestant ever to make it to the final million dollar question.
The rest of the movie jumps back and forth between the past and present as it gives a brief look into Jamal’s troubled life experiences that coincidentally and unforgettably explain how he knows the answers to the each of the game show’s questions.
The story is top notch. As always, Boyle takes some of the most unsettling images and presents them with a style and freshness that is disturbingly enjoyable. While the plot centers on Jamal and the game show, the story of his life revolves around his relationship with his brother, Salim, and an orphan girl, Latika, with whom the brothers’ fates have been intertwined since they were young. The movie does an excellent job of portraying the hardships and tribulations of life in the slums of India and one can’t help but root for Jamal to come out on top after everything he has been through.
The acting is top notch also. Although the Indian actors are relative unknowns to US audiences, they all do an excellent job of conveying the emotions and feelings required for their roles. Everyone from the child actors playing the younger versions of the main characters to those portraying them at their current ages, all deliver spot on performances.
For anyone looking for a well paced and gripping movie that explores the entire gamut of human emotions, look no further than the slums of India. Slumdog Millionaire is one of those rare and unique stories that is presented in such a technically stylized fashion that once you start watching, it is hard to look away from. All the accolades the film has received are well deserved. Don’t take my word for it, go check this film out for yourself as you won’t be disappointed.
Man, I’m glad you wrote this review. I had it in que for more than a month now and just never had the time to sit down and really review it the way I wanted to.
This film is nothing short of incredible. Its no wonder it got so many awards and rightfully so. I’d post a ton of spoilers about how I felt about certain scenes, but Im sure not everyone who reads 7milesdown has watched this film yet so I’ll refrain for now.
Great review CRS!
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Slumdog is Slumtastic!
Great review! My favorite Danny Boyle flick is “The Beach” and second would be “Sunshine”. I still haven’t seen “28 Days Later”, believe it or not. But yes, I agree – it doesn’t matter what the storyline may be, he still puts his fine touches on each of his projects. My one wish is that he doesn’t compromise his raw and gritty style when all the studios come knocking on his door after the oscar wins and all of the attention that was thrust upon him during awards season.
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I love this movie, I don’t care if the stars were not well known in Hollywood industry before, their acts just great and the story is so touching.
Man, I got interested in this film when I heard the news that they won several awards during the oscars. Anyway, just like you, this film does not disappoint me. I had a great time watching it. The actors are good considering that they are not popular to us. For me, I will give it 3 out of 5 stars :D
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Slumdog is a good movie. Unfortunately, someone ruined the film for me before I saw it so it did not have the same effect on me as it did on others.
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As amazing as the story is, I don’t think it would have come off anywhere near as good as it did without Boyle’s directing style. Definitely worth checking out.
@Trench- hey par been busy training again but we need to get back online ASAP and hit it up! Maybe this weekend! shoot
CRSs last blog post..Slumdog Millionaire (DVD)
I saw this movie and glad that i saw this this story is so beautiful but this movie generate one side image of India. I went to India and after seeing this country i say that it is a love couple country.
I was in this flick from minute one. Such a great film, beautifully told with an awesome soundtrack.
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You did an excellent review. It is very well written. I loved the movie too. I had watched it 3 times and I still enjoyed it. It deserves the Best Picture award from the OSCARS, BAFTA and other award giving bodies. And Dev and Freida are indeed very lucky to make it big with their very first movie. That would be another good plot for a movie.
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Good review. I agree with most of what you’ve said, i have to add one thing though. Have you considered that this film, in a way, can be about karma ? After all, in the end it all worked out.
Anyway, Boyle showed his genius again. He’s still a bit underestimated by the general public, but at this rate, and with the huge genre differences between his movies (compare this to 28 days later .. ), i think he’s on a good way to becoming one of the best and most versatile directors out there.
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I agree completely that Boyle is one of the most versatile directors out there. Slumdog definitely had many references to Karma and I think your interpretation is a good one. Thanks for visiting the site btw. Hope its easy enough to navigate.
We definitely need to finish Gears2!
Slumdog millionaire won so much award and that made me excited and after reading story i m curious to watch such a interesting Oscar winning movie.
Just browsing through Guam sites and I stumbled upon yours.
Anyway, just watched the movie yesterday and I agree with your review. Good job!
Thanks for droppin’ in Rita. Always great to see Guam folks dropping into the site.
Slumdog Millionaire totally deserved the Oscar, but I didn’t think it’s as awesome as most of the fans claim it to be. It’s a good feel-good-movie right, but it’s not “OMG BEST MOVIE EVAR!!1″
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I agree and disagree with you Ade. Its definitely not the best movie ever, but for 2008 is could arguably be the best there was. I loved the film.
As a indian i know it’s really great movie done by Danny Boyle, he show both american and indian emotion very in movie, great work and movie deserves OSCAR. , Also great to explorer good story at your blog.
Really enjoyed watching this film from beginning to end. (The ending dance sequence and credits were well done too. ) Highly recommended.
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