Monday, January 19, 2009

Slumdog Millionaire


I am not really sure even where to start with this... I have wanted to see this film for a while now as I have constantly been hearing good things about Slumdog Millionaire. Globe Cinema downtown picked it up so I finally got my chance to see it.

Slumdog Millionaire is an Hindi film based on the novel 'Q + A' by Indian author Vikas Swarup. The film, directed by Danny Boyle (Trainspotting) and Loveleen Tandan, premiere at Telluride and Toronto Film Festival. Since the premiere the movie has seen limited release in North America. It has received numerous accolades and recently won all four categories it was nominated for at the Golden Globe Awards.

This movie was not only a refreshing change but a feat of incredible story telling. I don't want to give too much away but...the general plot goes a little something like this. The film revolves around former street child Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) as he works his way through a series of questions on the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire. After being accused of cheating he explains how he knew the answers through a series of flashbacks.

I realize that I cannot do this film any justice by rambling but I can assure you that this is hands down the best $8 or $9 you will ever spend. The film has something for everyone you will laugh, shed a tear and might even leave the theatre a better person. And if you hate the movie which I don't think is possible, you will love the soundtrack.

To show you how much filming this movie impacted those involved I found this:

"Movie director Danny Boyle has set up a trust fund to save the child stars of Slumdog Millionaire from poverty. Real-life street kids Runiana Ali and Azharuddin Ismail were signed up for the film which won four Golden Globes last week.

Boyle grew close to the pair while filming the story of a teenager who wins the Indian version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?. And he admitted he wept when they sent him birthday cards.

Rubiana and Azharuddin joined child star Ayush Mahesh Khedekar as three pals in Mumbai.
The Trainspotting director told the Sunday Mail he was horrified to find Azharuddin had been made homeless while they were filming. He said: "His family's house had been demolished and we found him asleep on a car roof."


These kids are actually two of the most brilliant actors I have ever scene.