Quick Hits Review: Slumdog Millionaire

A young man, an orphan who grew up in the slums of Mumbai, makes it onto the Indian version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” and against all odds, reaches the final question. After the show breaks for the night, Jamal is arrested and tortured under suspicion that he has been cheating. While being interrogated, he tells his life story; he talks about being a little kid in the slums, losing his mother to religious violence, escaping from a child slavery ring, and meeting the love of his life. Every answer to every question is expertly weaved into the story, giving you nice “ohh, that’s how he knew that!” moments. The plot is well-told, well-acted, and engaging. The movie delivers a roller coaster of emotions, from fear and sadness to love and triumph, and it does it with style.

             

            Speaking of style, the Best Picture winner of 2008 oozes with it. Everything has a Danny Boyle feel to it. Say what you will about Boyle, but he does two things very well: he can make many different kinds of movies, and he does them all with his own trademark style. From the visual effects to the soundtrack to the very way the film is edited, this is a Danny Boyle film through and through. If you’re a Danny Boyle fan, Slumdog Millionaire cannot be missed. If for nothing else, watch it for the silly dance number in the train station during the credits.