Jamal is a young man who has a bright future ahead of him in the burgeoning metropolises of India but a dark past behind. Chosen by chance to be on India's popular American-inspired game show, he has become an overnight celebrity among India's lower class. On the verge of winning the show, Jamal is taken away by Indian authorities, suspected of cheating, and is interrogated to find out how he knew the answers. Jamal goes on to tell the police his life story, with several memorable and often traumatic incidents which led Jamal to each right answer. This history involves his protective older brother, Salim, who has let the streets ultimately dictate his future, and his beautiful childhood friend, Latika, whom destiny constantly tears away from him.
The actors all put forth rigorous performances, especially the child actors who play Jamal, Salim and Latika. The movie creates a particularly wicked villain during their childhood in the slums, terrifying the audience in his ruthlessness, rivaling Fagin from the novel "Oliver Twist." During the game show scenes, "Slumdog" illustrates how villains can be found on both ends of the socio-economic strata. The film could have easily fallen into never-ending despair, but Boyle manages to keep the film hopeful, even in its darkest moments. The audience cares for the children and their plight, while the film never sugar coats what they have to do to survive.
An infectious joy lurks under the surface of the extreme poverty and hardship in the film, a feeling emulating that found in Bolly-wood productions. Boyle manages to show both the good and bad in Indian society. Finding a theater to see this movie in may become easier now that it has won multiple Golden Globe awards. "Slumdog Millionaire" is an inspirational film, told from the perspective of people from a foreign land, yet speaking universal truths.
Rated R for some violence, disturbing images and language.
