Slumdog Millionaire

Slumdog Millionaire is the new film directed by Danny Boyle, the director of Trainspotting, 28 Days Later, and other films of note. The film tells the story of Jamal, a poor Indian orphan and his lifelong love and devotion to Latika, another Indian child from the slums. The film follows their story from childhood to young adulthood, the highlight being Jamal's appearance on the Indian version of Who Wants To Be a Millionaire. The film uses flashbacks seamlessly to highlight key points in Jamal's life, which include a stint as a beggar, as well as his relationship with his criminally connected brother. The film also reminds us that in spite of the explosion of the Indian middle class there are still people, including many children, who lead a life of poverty, brutality and exploitation. There is one particularly disturbing scene where the leader of the band of beggars that Jamal is attached to employs a particularly brutal method to ensure that his charges bring in as much money as possible. It was hard to watch, and not to watch.
This film is receiving considerable positive buzz, and with good reason. It's an interesting story told in a unique style, with characters that you'll both love and hate, and, there's a touch of "Bollywood" as well. It's a film that you'll remember.

Rating - 4 Stars