Arts & Culture
Slumdog Millionaire is an independent film from India that received eight Oscars, including Best Picture.
Ryan reviews: The new film sensation “Slumdog Millionaire”
Arts and Culture Reporter
“Slumdog Millionaire” is the story of an 18-year-old orphan from the slums of Mumbai named Jamal Malik (Dev Patel), his brother Salim (Madhur Mittal), and his one true love Latika (Freida Pinto).
The story starts out with the entire nation of India watching a gripping episode of the Indian version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” Jamal is an unimaginable one question away from winning 20 million rupees (a little more than $400,000) but is taken into custody, beaten, tortured and interrogated for suspicion of cheating. After all, what can an uneducated slumdog from an overpopulated shantytown know? It is falsely presumed he cheated.
With that, Jamal begins to report and relive the story of his childhood via colorful flashbacks with the answers for the game show weaved into his past. Every chapter of his life seems to have been prepping him for this exact moment when he could be the second person ever to win India’s “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” But we soon find out Jamal could care less about the money, but rather, wants to use this publicity to find his long-lost love, Latika.
This independent film from India swept away the competition at this year’s Academy Awards by reaping 8 total Oscars, including Best Picture. “Slumdog Millionaire” is a brilliant piece of movie magic that deserves every bit of attention that it received.
Don’t be deceived by the previews and commercials with the happy-go-lucky dance sequence; this movie is an endless tale of sorrowful circumstances and woeful experiences with just the right amount of romantic serendipity to keep you from crying your eyes out.
“Slumdog” is an enthralling, genre-defying romantic thriller that hooks itself into you, takes you on a vicious roller coaster ride through the darkest corners of India, makes you laugh, cry and doesn’t let you go until the very climactic conclusion.
The newly released DVD is well worth the buy with over a dozen deleted scenes, two commentaries, “The Making of…” documentary and a music video of the Oscar-winning song “Jai Ho.” As an added bonus for the eco-conscious, the case purposely uses less plastic for a healthier environment.
However, it earns its “R” rating for violence, some profanity, and disturbing images. If you are just aching for a new movie or even if you don’t want to watch a movie at all, go buy or rent “Slumdog Millionaire.”You will be glad you did.
