Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

With such a prestigious name as Danny Boyle behind this multiple Oscar winning film, I certainly went into watching ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ with sky-high hopes, and thankfully it did not disappoint. I believe Simon Beaufoy’s screenplay directed by the ever-brilliant Boyle has something for every film-lover with its apt ability to tug at your heart strings whilst also providing laughs and action-fuelled entertainment throughout its 2 hour run time.

The film had me hooked right off the bat with its tag line and enticing enigma debating how Jamal Malik, nothing more than an uneducated Slumdog could be one question away from winning 20 million rupees: “A: He cheated, B: He’s lucky, C: He’s a genius, D: It is written”. After meeting Jamal in the present, each question he is asked by this classically over-enthusiastic game show host relates to an affecting experience in his life that was filled with unfortunate events and hardships. Throughout the film, we watch as Jamal experiences childhood in one of the largest slums in Mumbai, through this we get a glimpse into a life not often represented in mainstream filmmaking. I think this uniqueness of perspective is really where Slumdog Millionaire’s biggest strengths lie and one of the many reasons for its immense praise and positive critical response.

Danny Boyle’s directorial masterpiece hones in on the character of Jamal and I don’t doubt that anyone who watches this film will be rooting for him to bag that 20 million rupees after witnessing him suffer such a turbulent and challenging life. Although the film explores such tragic and saddening topics as poverty and all the struggles that come with growing up in a slum, Slumdog Millionaire still somehow manages to maintain an inspiringly optimistic and uplifting tone that is begging to focus on the silver linings rather than the cloud. By its conclusion, this film leaves you with a comforting and heart-warming message that although it is important not to forget where you came from, it isn’t important where you started in life, what’s important is where you go after that.

Going back to my point of this film having something for every film lover, as well as it’s hard-hitting themes Slumdog Millionaire also has an underlying romance that will surely bring a tear to even the hardest of people. The scene in which we meet Latika, Jamal’s destined lover is definitely one of my favourites of the film. The wide shot that frames young Latika standing unsheltered from the pelting rain really emphasised her small size and clear vulnerability whilst left completely alone in such an open expanse of land, evoking an overwhelming feeling of empathy for this young child experiencing a life no child should. Jamal’s compassionate call for her to join him and his brother Salim under shelter is the beginning of these kindred spirits connecting, and leaves you hoping that connection withstands such a chaotic upbringing.

Slumdog Millionaire is undoubtedly a film that lived up to its hype, and for this reason I would not hesitate to recommend this film to anyone looking for a film that will take you on an inspiring journey of emotional turmoil and a young boy’s simple desire to become more than the world thought he could be. It’s superb cinematography and fast-paced editing stands proud amongst Boyle’s plethora of outstanding work and indisputably lives up to his high standards of filmmaking set by such films as Trainspotting from which he made his name as one of Britain’s most respected filmmakers. As well as Boyle’s style of editing and aesthetics being comparable to that of his 1996 film, Trainspotting, it’s themes and the way they’re dealt with are also very similar in my opinion. Much like Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire isn’t afraid to delve deep into undeniably depressing topics with no desire to sugar-coat anything. However, both films possess an overwhelmingly optimistic outlook on life by the conclusion of the film, in spite of all of the hardships suffered throughout the narrative. To sum up, both films leave me thinking about an extremely pertinent quote from the director, Danny Boyle – “I want my films to be life-affirming… I want people to leave the cinema feeling that something’s been confirmed for them about life”.