Akito HirataReview - Slumdog Millionaire
January 11th 2009 03:30
The opening scene is set in current day Mumbai (2006) and an interrogation is taking place. We are then presented with a question.
Jamal Malik is one question away from winning 20 million rupees. How did he do it?
A. He cheated
B. He's lucky
C. He's a genius
D. It is written.
Based on the Q and A novel written by Vikas Swarup, the movie is structured around Jamal Malik's appearance on the popular game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. Jamal (played by Dev Patel) appears nervous and unsure of himself which is in sharp contrast to the smarmy host Prem Kumar (played particularly well by Anil Kapoor).
An interesting premise which plays out quite successfully, each question takes us back to a portion of Jamal's past in flashbacks. Orphaned as a young child, Jamal and his older brother Salim (Madhur Mittal) are constantly on the run from exploitation or death turning to petty crime for survival. The two musketeers befriend fellow orphan Latika (Freida Pinto) turning the duo into an unlikely trio. The brothers separate over time and circumstances, Salim opting to remain in the criminal world in order to survive.
Due to unfortunate circumstances, Jamal also becomes separated from Latika not once, but twice, and each time he sets out painstakingly to reunite with her regardless of the cost. Although a little over-sentimental at times, the movie doesn't stop to dwell on any one aspect keeping the action moving from one scene to another managing to capture the audience's interest until the end.
Filled with humour, despite the obvious tragedy, the scenes which stand out the most for me are those involving Jamal and Salim as young boys. The memorable toilet scene and their adventures on the train are filled with desperation but it is their steely determination and hopefulness which stays with you long after the film ends.
Voyage Review: 4/5
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