East Carolinian

Issue date: 1/27/09 Section: Features

Media Credit: staff photo

Stars: Dev Patel, Anil Kapoor

Synopsis

Jamal is a Mumbai teen that grew up in the slums and becomes a contestant on the Indian version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire." He achieves the highest level any contestant has reached since the show began. Since he is a "slumdog," the host of the show accuses him of cheating and he is arrested toward the end of the show with the final question remaining. He is arrested and tortured as they try to get Jamal to admit to cheating. However, Jamal admits to nothing and the lead investigator eventually decides to simply ask Jamal how he knew the answers and realizes that his life experiences lead to his genius on the show.

The good

It is a cross between a biographic film and a romantic love story, based on the novel Q & A by Vikas Swarup. I had very low expectations for this film after reading the synopsis but I decided to see it anyway. I was remarkably surprised. It was funny, interesting, suspenseful and tear jerking. It included elements not usually found all in one movie, but "Slumdog" successfully pulled it off.

The bad

This is one movie where I find no fault - the acting was well done and the screenplay was well written. The script, written by Simon Beaufo, who also wrote The Full Monty is subtly humorous. When the credits roll there's a full dancing sequence not unlike The 40-year-old Virgin. I thought it was a good way to end a film. If you had just won a million dollars and the love of a woman you've admired your whole life, you'd also feel pleasantly upbeat after some heavy material throughout the movie.

The ugly

The sad thing is that most of you will not go out and see this movie because you think it's a stupid independent film like so many others you have been disappointed with. I was also one of those people but I am glad that I took time to see this film.

Verdict

I cannot stress this enough: Go see this movie; you won't regret it. Those that will find fault with this movie should never be trusted. If you bump into them, check to make sure you still have your wallet and watch.

This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.

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