Dan Hunter recommends this accomplished and compelling smash hit.
From a likely straight-to-DVD release to phenomenal success, Danny Boyle’s latest film has had a fabulous journey of its own that’s uncannily like that of the film’s hero, who rises from a ‘slumdog’ living on the streets of Bombay to potential millionaire. The film opens with Jamal (Skins’ Dev Patel) one question away from winning 20 million rupees on the Indian edition of Who Wants to be a Millionaire - but an overnight break before the final question gives the incredulous police a chance to violently interrogate this young slumdog and find out how he’s managed to cheat.
Taking each question in turn the film reveals in flashback how he came to know the answer, gradually revealing his life to date from a homeless street kid to a callcenter tea boy poised to win a life-changing fortune. Along the way the film deftly reveals much about life in India and of the changes that the country has gone through during Jamal’s life. Adapted from Vikas Swarup’s novel Q&A, the tight tructure works superbly on screen, with the stage by stage revelation of his life cleverly justifying the episodic approach that a life story needs.
The vibrant cinematography and soundtrack, taken with the authentic source material, do a marvellous job of transporting the viewer into this vital, energetic tale. Often, western cinematic forays into life in far-flung countries are clichéd and shallow efforts, following yet another white tourist as he experiences the country and its culture as an outsider. However, despite a British director, production team and lead actor this never feels like a colonial effort - this is a film whose heart and soul is firmly located in India.
This is not simply the ‘feel-good hit of the decade’ (as presented by the PR campaign) nor is it at heart a serious arthouse piece. Slumdog Millionaire is a blend of mainstream and the leftfield, rewarding the viewer with the benefits of both and when a film is as accomplished, illuminating and compelling as this it’s certainly worthy of your time.
Commentary from director Danny Boyle and Dev Patel
Commentary from producer Christian Colson and writer Simon Beaufoy
Deleted Scenes
Slumdog Dreams: Danny Boyle and the making of Slumdog Millionaire
Jai Ho Remix – Slumdog Cutdown
UK Theatrical Trailer
Blu-ray only features: Slumdog Guru – an interactive option of watching the film that gives the viewer access to special features directly from the film. Contains exclusive picture in picture interviews
From Script to Screen: The Toilet Scene
Indian Short Film: Manjha
Bombay Liquid Dance.
Film Description
Danny Boyle's latest has proven a surprise hit with audiences, critics and award-givers alike - not bad for a film they thought might go straight to DVD. Jamal Malik is just one question away from winning 20 million rupees in India's Who Wants to be a Millionaire when he is accused of cheating. The film flashes back over his life taking him from the slums where he was born to begging on the streets and meeting the love of his life, Latika. Beautifully shot with an excellent soundtrack this is not to be missed.
