Slumdog Millionaire
Slumdog Millionaire
(Film Review)
(Film Review)
After my choice for Best Picture, The Dark Knight, was shut out in virtually all of the important categories at the Academy Awards, I certainly was not a happy camper. As critics piled on accolade after critical praise after success upon its release, the Dark Knight was virtually ignored come Oscar time. Whether it was a victim of the traditional dismissal of comic book movies perpetrated by the Academy, a result of the inevitable backlash that usually comes from becoming extremely successful or just a casualty of releasing too early in the Academy Award season, we'll never know. Personally, I believe, it was a combination of all of these and probably more factors than we'll ever be aware of.
However, just as the Dark Knight was the undisputed juggernaut of 2008, it seemed that the closer we got to the highly anticipated Academy Awards, another train was picking up steam. Released by Fox Searchlight, it had quietly been building into a surprising success for the studio on the heels of positive buzz and word-of-mouth, almost echoing the theme from the movie as it grew from an independently released film to an Oscar favorite. However, despite the love lavished on it from audience members, critics and Academy members alike, was it a worthy movie to steal the thunder from what should have rightfully been the year of the Dark Knight?
It was through that lens of disillusionment from watching the Academy take away our best chance yet to receive critical Oscar success and skepticism over the success of Slumdog Millionaire that I rented the movie shortly after it came out. Would I come away
A) Disappointed, B) Apathetic, C) Angry, D) Elated? That is the million dollar question.
Slumdog Millionaire
Released: November 12, 2008.
Starring: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Anil Kapoor, Madhur Mittal, Irrfan Khan.
Running Time: 2 hours (120 Minutes)
Director: Danny Boyle
If you haven't watched "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?", then I'm willing to bet that you're at least familiar with the format of the game show and the excitement that can accompany it. The success of the show and game shows in general are all about the idea of overnight success, of how somebody ordinary can become a star, the thrill of winning it all, the heartbreak of losing it and the breathless anticipation that comes from such a challenge. Although I don't really watch game shows at all, I can understand the appeal of them. Slumdog Millionaire takes the appeal of those, to combine with classic Bollywood films and some updated Dickens, in a strange hybrid which shouldn't work, but does.
The movie starts towards the end as it follows India's newest sensation, Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) as he stands on the brink of achieving the unthinkable - winning 20 million rupees on India's version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?", hosted by Prem Kumar (played excellently by Anil Kapoor). It's a moving tale of suspense as the film jumps back and forth between the past and present, showing how the life experiences he's undergone has prepared him for such a pivotal moment in his life. It also explores the intriguing relationship he has with his brother, Salim, a former "slumdog" himself, who is played by Madhur Mittal as well as the underlying pursuit of his dream girl, Latika (Freida Pinto).
Many of the scenes can be truly harrowing to watch as it shows a very unflinching portrayal of poverty in the slums of Mumbai as Jamal and fellow children are victims of some true cruelty, suffering losses and enduring tragedy in their early years that we'll most likely never know in our entire lifetimes. However, that serves as a definite counterpoint to the overall uplifting theme of the movie, which is part of what makes the movie so good. Just as the movie is in its depiction of torture and tragedy, Slumdog Millionaire is just as dedicated in showing how one can rise above it as the heads towards a surprisingly gripping conclusion.
The success of the film definitely relies on the strength of its three leads, none of whom are household names yet although some of them will certainly have a chance after the success of this film. The main actor of the film, Dev Patel, is quite believable as the young man who grew up from the slums of Mumbai and convincing with his determination to achieve what he believes is his destiny. Madhur Mattil plays his older brother and with his performance, has created a character who is completely despicable and unlikeable, but certainly not beyond redemption. And of course, the third musketeer in the cast, played by Freida Pinto, is amazing. The love interest of the film and the girl of Jamal's dreams makes a stunning and memorable film debut. In her first role, I hesitate to use the word revelation, but I will say I was left very impressed.
The answer to the question at the beginning of the blog would be D) Elated, when it comes to Slumdog Millionaire. I wasn't quite sure what to expect of the film, coming from Danny Boyle, who has always been a great director in my opinion. Probably best known for the films Trainspotting and the 28 Days Later franchise, I wasn't sure how he would handle the film considering it might require a more light hand as a director. However, Boyle sacrifices none of his frenetic energy in making the film and guides the film (and the viewer) exactly where he wants you to go, which is on the edge of your seat.
As I mentioned before and as is very popular in the world today, this film is a hybrid. It relies on many of the elements that make up traditional Bollywood films and in fact even has a big Bollywood dance number playing over the end credits. However, it draws from Hollywood as well, making a number of stylistic choices that will be immediately recognizable to followers of film here in the United States. The film is both tragic and yet relentlessly upbeat in its determation throughout. This result is a film that is both moving, infectious and ultimately, rewarding.
If you've followed movies at all, you should know by now that Slumdog Millionaire, much like the rags-to-riches story of the film, did go all the way to take Best Picture at the 2008 Academy Awards. While I still believe that the honor bestowed by the Academy could have and should have gone to The Dark Knight, perhaps it was destiny that the spot went to Slumdog Millionaire after all. I will say that if one other film from the past year took what should've rightfully belonged to the Dark Knight, I'm glad it was this one. A great film.
Rating: HIGH FIVE! (FIVE STARS)
(As I mentioned before, there is a big Bollywood dance scene at the end that plays through the ending credits and for your viewing pleasure, here it is. You get to see the cast and crew dance their way in a big closing number, set to the tone of the rather catchy "Jai Ho". It's really enjoyable to see the actors from the film dancing and especially the child actors, many of whom are actually from the slums. Just a good way to end a great film - Slumdog Millionaire Dance. )
However, just as the Dark Knight was the undisputed juggernaut of 2008, it seemed that the closer we got to the highly anticipated Academy Awards, another train was picking up steam. Released by Fox Searchlight, it had quietly been building into a surprising success for the studio on the heels of positive buzz and word-of-mouth, almost echoing the theme from the movie as it grew from an independently released film to an Oscar favorite. However, despite the love lavished on it from audience members, critics and Academy members alike, was it a worthy movie to steal the thunder from what should have rightfully been the year of the Dark Knight?
It was through that lens of disillusionment from watching the Academy take away our best chance yet to receive critical Oscar success and skepticism over the success of Slumdog Millionaire that I rented the movie shortly after it came out. Would I come away
A) Disappointed, B) Apathetic, C) Angry, D) Elated? That is the million dollar question.
Slumdog Millionaire
Released: November 12, 2008.Starring: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Anil Kapoor, Madhur Mittal, Irrfan Khan.
Running Time: 2 hours (120 Minutes)
Director: Danny Boyle
If you haven't watched "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?", then I'm willing to bet that you're at least familiar with the format of the game show and the excitement that can accompany it. The success of the show and game shows in general are all about the idea of overnight success, of how somebody ordinary can become a star, the thrill of winning it all, the heartbreak of losing it and the breathless anticipation that comes from such a challenge. Although I don't really watch game shows at all, I can understand the appeal of them. Slumdog Millionaire takes the appeal of those, to combine with classic Bollywood films and some updated Dickens, in a strange hybrid which shouldn't work, but does.
The movie starts towards the end as it follows India's newest sensation, Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) as he stands on the brink of achieving the unthinkable - winning 20 million rupees on India's version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?", hosted by Prem Kumar (played excellently by Anil Kapoor). It's a moving tale of suspense as the film jumps back and forth between the past and present, showing how the life experiences he's undergone has prepared him for such a pivotal moment in his life. It also explores the intriguing relationship he has with his brother, Salim, a former "slumdog" himself, who is played by Madhur Mittal as well as the underlying pursuit of his dream girl, Latika (Freida Pinto).
Many of the scenes can be truly harrowing to watch as it shows a very unflinching portrayal of poverty in the slums of Mumbai as Jamal and fellow children are victims of some true cruelty, suffering losses and enduring tragedy in their early years that we'll most likely never know in our entire lifetimes. However, that serves as a definite counterpoint to the overall uplifting theme of the movie, which is part of what makes the movie so good. Just as the movie is in its depiction of torture and tragedy, Slumdog Millionaire is just as dedicated in showing how one can rise above it as the heads towards a surprisingly gripping conclusion.
The success of the film definitely relies on the strength of its three leads, none of whom are household names yet although some of them will certainly have a chance after the success of this film. The main actor of the film, Dev Patel, is quite believable as the young man who grew up from the slums of Mumbai and convincing with his determination to achieve what he believes is his destiny. Madhur Mattil plays his older brother and with his performance, has created a character who is completely despicable and unlikeable, but certainly not beyond redemption. And of course, the third musketeer in the cast, played by Freida Pinto, is amazing. The love interest of the film and the girl of Jamal's dreams makes a stunning and memorable film debut. In her first role, I hesitate to use the word revelation, but I will say I was left very impressed.
The answer to the question at the beginning of the blog would be D) Elated, when it comes to Slumdog Millionaire. I wasn't quite sure what to expect of the film, coming from Danny Boyle, who has always been a great director in my opinion. Probably best known for the films Trainspotting and the 28 Days Later franchise, I wasn't sure how he would handle the film considering it might require a more light hand as a director. However, Boyle sacrifices none of his frenetic energy in making the film and guides the film (and the viewer) exactly where he wants you to go, which is on the edge of your seat.
As I mentioned before and as is very popular in the world today, this film is a hybrid. It relies on many of the elements that make up traditional Bollywood films and in fact even has a big Bollywood dance number playing over the end credits. However, it draws from Hollywood as well, making a number of stylistic choices that will be immediately recognizable to followers of film here in the United States. The film is both tragic and yet relentlessly upbeat in its determation throughout. This result is a film that is both moving, infectious and ultimately, rewarding.
If you've followed movies at all, you should know by now that Slumdog Millionaire, much like the rags-to-riches story of the film, did go all the way to take Best Picture at the 2008 Academy Awards. While I still believe that the honor bestowed by the Academy could have and should have gone to The Dark Knight, perhaps it was destiny that the spot went to Slumdog Millionaire after all. I will say that if one other film from the past year took what should've rightfully belonged to the Dark Knight, I'm glad it was this one. A great film.
Rating: HIGH FIVE! (FIVE STARS)
(As I mentioned before, there is a big Bollywood dance scene at the end that plays through the ending credits and for your viewing pleasure, here it is. You get to see the cast and crew dance their way in a big closing number, set to the tone of the rather catchy "Jai Ho". It's really enjoyable to see the actors from the film dancing and especially the child actors, many of whom are actually from the slums. Just a good way to end a great film - Slumdog Millionaire Dance. )
1 comments:
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