Slumdog Millionaire

A story this original only comes around about once a year. Like Juno or Little Miss Sunshine, this will be the blindside indie favorite going into award season.

Slumdog is a coming of age story told in flashbacks via the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire. The main character, Jamal is being held on the charge of cheating his way to the million dollar question, and his validation of each answer takes us back to one of his pivotal life lessons. This film may sound formulaic, and as predictable as it is, its originality and earnestness drives the story forward with a sense of purpose and sincerity.

Shot in the style owned by Danny Boyle, the film has a mysterious foreign flavor, quick shot cuts fueled by beat-driven techno music, and even an odd sequence involving human feces. This one is a step up from some of his earlier work however - in terms of taste and quality. This story is believable, and the basic humanistic qualities of hope and goodness shine through.

Admittedly, the star of the film for me was the setting - the slums of Mumbai (Bombay), India and the poverty-stricken youth that happily roam the garbage-strewn cities filled with over-crowded tin roof shacks. The flashbacks in particular really conveyed the claustrophobic feel of the hot, dirty landscapes.

I got a nostalgic feeling of the Usual Suspects as the story was unfolding - a young man being interrogated in a police station regarding his winnings, and the pivotal question: is he lucky, cheating, genius, or "it is written"? We don't find out until near the end, and I found myself getting caught up in the anticipation of the million dollar question (which is predictable given his life story) and wondering how this would all turn out.

In the midst of this arc is a subtle love story that epitomizes the Indian lower class and the struggle to move up and in most cases, out.

The cast is comprised of unknowns to Americans, and there is a co-director - Loveleen Tandan who presumably had a major influence on the cast/customs. What I am curious to find out however, is what drew Boyle to this project, as it is more Bollywood than Hollywood (see closing credits) and is a little tame for his typical style of filmmaking.

Whatever the reason, it is extremely well done, and will likely receive nominations for its feelgood spirit, and its out-of-nowhere originality and completeness - including perfect musical selections. I was thoroughly entertained, and would be surprised if there weren't at least 3 major nominations (picture, director, screenplay). Best picture I've seen this year that didn't have a superhero. 9/10.