Slumdog takes Golden Globe
Over the holiday break I was able to see a film that had been highly recommended to me by several friends. The movie is “Slumdog Millionaire”, and going into the theatre I knew very little about the plot or the actors; only that the movie is based around a contestant on India’s “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?”.
However the film is much more than that. Director Danny Boyle of “Trainspotting” fame uses the television game show to weave an intricate and moving story about an impoverished Indian teenager named Jamal Malik. After being implicated of cheating on the game show, Jamal is questioned by police as to how a person from the streets with no education could answer such complex questions from various categories. Question by question the police grill Jamal on how he knew the answers. His responses give us a glimpse into the many trials and struggles, as well as the triumphs that took place throughout his life.
Visually the movie is stunning and the locations filmmakers use place the audience directly into the beautiful landscapes as well as the tragic conditions in the slums. Adding to the color and beauty of the locations is a soundtrack that features the music of India as well as the talents of M.I.A. All of the music included furthers the emotions the filmmakers were trying to evoke.
The flashbacks are seamless and unlike some films in which flashbacks create more confusion than anything, their use in “Slumdog Millionaire” is successful in creating an overall sense of Jamal’s life leading up to his being on the game show.
This movie is highly acclaimed, having just won four Golden Globe Awards including Best Picture and Best Motion Picture for the genre of drama. If you have not seen this film, I would highly recommend it.
“Slumdog Millionaire” has a unique story, is incredibly entertaining, and takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions throughout the course of the film.