With all the world watching, Jamal Malik, an 18 year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai, is just one question away from winning a staggering 20 million rupees on India's 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?' But when the show breaks for the night, leaving one lone question standing between Jamal and his fortune, he is arrested on suspicion of cheating. How could an uneducated street kid know so much? Desperate to prove his innocence, Jamal tells his story. From the slums to the streets, the youthful boy spills his heart, giving details of his life, adventures and one long lost love, Latika. Each segment reveals an extraordinary journey, providing the key to one of the show's questions. As his story is unveiled, Jamal shows little interested in the possible fortune, making the arresting officer wonder what brought this down-on-his-luck teenager, who has no desire for money, to a game show? With only one question remaining, both the officer and the millions looking on at home are about to find out that and so much more.
With an intriguing premise, Slumdog Millionaire had promise. Still, an unknown cast and its ability to become repetitive held me in reserve for much of the film. However, while sitting there, I couldn't help but become entranced within the story, feeling part of the journey and rooting for the underdog. Blame it on my weakness for Hollywood success or the simple fact that the film is absolutely brilliant, but regardless of the money, this film is a treasure of a find.
With the premise dealing with a present situation that requires numerous recalls of information, the film could have easily fallen into a stale state of repetitive action. However, director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Simon Beaufoy chose a more complex pathway from initial arrest to final question, giving audiences two distinctive stories that are not only presented with fluid transition, but unnoticeable ease. At many moments, especially during the flashback scenes, you feel that you are watching an entirely different movie, becoming entranced by the characters, moving with them as they outwit those who want to take advantage of their desperate needs. The stories are full of action, adventure and overwhelming emotion, setting the stage for a film that not only crosses genre lines, but appeals to your every sense and emotion.
Not to mention the fantastic work done by Dev Patal, Tanay Chheda and Ayush Mahesh Khedekar, the stars that portray Jamal throughout his many adventures. With the film stretching almost eighteen years, the title character had to be cast three times, at three visually independent stages. Together, these three actors work within themselves to bring out the personality, innocence and discovery that matches their journeys. The result is simply spell bounding as you get to see a young boy, stricken with misfortune, battle his way through the rigors of reality and eventually come to form the man who graces the screen during the first moments of the film. The evolution is priceless, and well played out by all involved as each compliment the others, bringing one of the most inspirational and emotionally appealing characters of the year to life almost effortlessly.
Compliment that with the work of a great supporting cast, most noticeably Freida Pinto and Madhu Mittal, and the film comes alive right before yours eyes. Together, the nine focused actors give the performance of their life, bringing the characters to the forefront, and helping to create a story worth telling. Their combined efforts help to create a miracle; one that will inspire and intrigue like never before and make you truly believe in the underdog.
*Be sure to stay through the credits as the film and its participants pay tribute to both Hollywood and Bollywood through an enchanting segment of music and dance.
