Movie Review - “Slumdog Millionaire”
*** 1/2 STARS
“Slumdog Millionaire” could easily be called “the feel good film of 2008″, even though a lot of its emotionally charged scenes are hard to watch. This culturally rich film is crackling with color and popping with eye catching visuals. Director Danny Boyle has created a fascinating and compelling story that is not only intense; it is also sweeping and romantic. Boyle’s fast paced editing and vibrant cinematography bring life to the drab and depressing slums of Mumbai, India creating a lush landscape filled with awe inspiring images.
The film is based on the book “Q and A” written by Indian author and diplomat Vikas Swarup. The film, shot and set in India, follows a young man named Jamal from the slums of Mumbai who appears on a game show and exceeds people’s expectations, raising the suspicions of the game show host and law enforcement. The film unfolds in a series of flashbacks that are both horrific and tender. The disturbing images of poverty and filth are softened by the realistic performances given by the young actors and true to life dialogue.
“Slumdog” forces you to experience every human emotion that a film possibly can; empathy, joy, elation, fear, tension and passion. As the film began to climax I found my heart racing and my emotions soaring. The movie’s final frames don’t feel heavy handed or forced and as the film ends you want to see more of this fascinating world. The entire experience was a rollercoaster ride of well timed up’s and downs that end with one of the best credit scenes to ever be filmed.
There are a lot of good films out this award season but not many have the same human touch that “Slumdog Millionaire” has. This movie stands out in an award season full of holocaust themed films and bio-pics. The intricate camera work will keep you on the edge of your seat while the beautiful love story will capture your imagination and steal your heart. “Slumdog Millionaire” is a movie lover’s dream that is a “must see” on the big screen.
January 21st, 2009 at 6:52 pm
You have got to be kidding me. Even in the pictures posted, this guy’s facial expressions are somewhat the same. Even more in the movie. Especially when he punched his brother and his face was still not what you would call angry. C’mon! You call that acting?! And to think that the Golden Globes is comparing him to Brad Pitt… OVERRATED!!!
The movie is okay. But don’t go saying that it’s the goddam feel good movie of any length of time (week/year/whatever makes you happy). The poverty, the massacre, killings, torturing, etc. etc. Which part is feel good? The part where he wins the money and the gal while the rest of the India portrayed in the movie goes the same?
Seriously. That’s one sick sense of happiness/humour.