Hi everyone,
Slumdog Millionaire...this one film has got nominations for Best Film at the Golden Globes, it won 5 critic choice awards and it wins most of all, my heart! What a start to the New Year for films. I started writing movie reviews with Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, an excellent film. Then Ghajini, an average film. Now Slumdog Millionaire, another excellent film.
The story is simple, it is about a boy Jamal, who is born and raised in the slums in India, played excellently by Dev Patel and then finds himself becoming a millionaire on the Indian version of 'Who wants to be a Millionaire' which is hosted by the superb actor Anil Kapoor. On his journey in life, he has a brother, who lives for money but at times has a caring heart. Most of all, he has a childhood sweetheart Latika played by Freida Pinto. His journey on the game show is just because Jamal knows his childhood love would be watching it. Obviously, as much as society is corrupt, the police interrogate Jamal, however the police officer played again superbly by the talented Irrfan Khan by stating that Jamal is too truthful and honest and let's him go and then Jamal finds that destiny will shine upon him despite facing harsh ordeals.
With the visual aspect of the film, the director makes sure that the audience can live through the characters eyes. Whatever the characters see and the way they see it, the audience find themselves captivated by it. The slums, the busy streets, the hustle of the train stations. The Taj Mahal is shown beautifully in this film and I do find myself wanting to go again to visit India.
The songs, the music is amazing. AR Rahman scores one of his best work with this film. I felt like I was back watching Dil Se, which in my opinion was AR Rahman's finest work. The songs go with the narrative and one enjoys it to the extreme. Most of all, the item number at the end, I think that was a nice addition to the film. Boyle made sure that the 'Hindi Cinema' feel was also added to the film with 'Jai Ho'.
The director, Danny Boyle brings us an excellent film that maturely touches upon corruption, jealousy, prostitution, hypocrisy, destiny and love. He allows the audience to see everything through the eyes of the characters. The fact that Boyle allows the audience to see what life in the slums is like. Then touches upon destiny and touches upon truth and honesty. The message of the film being simple, if you stick to the principles of truth and honesty, destiny will be kind to you! It is something I believe in and I am sure we all do too! There was not one scene which I found was unnecessary! Well done to Boyle!
In terms of performances, we start with Dev Patel, who is surely an actor that has a long way to go and he can achieve great heights, whether it is Indian Cinema or Hollywood. He emotes perfectly, a lot of the time he is emoting with his eyes and he does it amazingly. He does not disappoint you. The scene when he finds Latika, he clearly shows how much his heart was wanting to meet her again and he allows his body language to do that! Great job.
Freida Pinto, again supports Dev excellently. She emotes with her eyes a lot, she shows the pain and turmoil that women face in a society that may teach honest principles but its society itself is corrupted with money.
Anil Kapoor plays an excellent host for the game show, we see the negative shades and he does it with subtlety, there is a twinkle in his eyes and I could not help noticing it. I am glad that he took this role that may have been small but was definitely unique.
Irrfan Khan, this is one of India's most talented actors and he does not disappoint here either. He shows how corrupted the police are when he is around fellow colleagues. But on his own, he has a heart and when it comes to truth and honesty, he will give the correct justice. Excellently played by Irrfan.
Also, it is important to say that every person that acted in this movie were brilliant. There was not one problem with any of the performances!
I conclude this film as definitely one of the best films of 2009. We do have more films to come but Slumdog Millionaire is easily one of the best. The story is great and the audience leaves the cinema with smiles! Dev Patel gives hope that British born Indians can act unlike Upen Patel. I hope Hindi Cinema grabs the talent of Dev Patel! This is clearly an actor that can act and is not in the business just for the stardom! Freida Pinto is beautiful and is a talented actress! She definitely can go far and let us hope that she chooses the right roles for her talent! The visuals of the film leave an impact and definitely makes you want to visit the Taj Mahal one more time. In fact, it also makes you want to see the slums and see everything for yourself!
The audience will love this film, especially if you enjoy meaningful entertainment! Go and get yourself at the nearest movie theatre showing this movie! Sum it up in one word - BLOCKBUSTER!
Rating: 4.5/5, an excellent movie overall!
Thanks for reading and lots of love,
Rahul N. Singh
Copyright © Chronicles of a Creative Writer. 2008 Rahul N. Singh. All Rights Reserved.
