Based on a book about a young man's extraordinary journey from life in an Indian slum to a millionaire and finding his lost love, this film adaptation is truly touching and raises awareness of the lives of those less fortunate, all in a remarkable story.
Based on the novel Q&A by Vikas Swarup, Slumdog Millionaire follows a young boys journey from living in a Mumbai slum to a game show contestant, vying for the million dollar prize others can only dream of. The key to his success? His life experiences, all of them give a vital clue to the answers of the questions that he faces. Told from the first person perspective of Jamal, a slumdog, the film utilizes flashbacks into the past and returns to the present to create a captivating and thrilling cinematic experience.
Joining Jamal on his journey is his brother Salim, as well as a girl Latika, who the brothers rescued during a riot that claimed the life of their mother. Latika grows to become Jamal's love interest, but disappears and reappears in his life as she is captured by gangsters, escapes only to disappear from Jamal's life again. Similarly, Salim also disappears from his life for periods of time, leaving Jamal on his own. Through events of coincidence, the three main characters finally meet up again late in the film, and setting up the thrilling climax.
Slumdog Millionaire was heavily awarded, nominated for 10 Academy Awards at the Oscars and winning 8, including best picture. Furthermore, the film kick started the careers of the many Indian actors and actresses who starred, further enhanced due to the successful run the movie enjoyed.
The film also explores several key themes such as friendship and love, taking the viewer on an emotional roller-coaster ride of Jamal's life, and an insight into a world that many of us would not know. The award winning soundtrack also adds to the atmosphere to create a stunning and engaging work of film.
Slumdog Millionaire is one of those rare adaptations which in my opinion tells the story better than the original novel. The precise filmmaking ability of Danny Boyle combined with the brilliant acting, emotional soundtrack and compelling story allows for the creation of one of the best films of 2008, and a must-watch for any film fan.
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