Just as most games are played for fun and/or escapism from day-to-day drudgeries, the watching of game shows on TV is done for the same reason, albeit in a surrogate fashion. Of course, for those who actually participate on such programs, the escapism often comes more in the form of wishful financial freedom from one's debts.
That's true for Jamal Malik (Dev Patel), a young man who grew up in the slums of Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay). Orphaned at a young age, he ended up living and hustling on the streets with his older brother, living a seemingly insignificant life of squalor and one that appeared headed nowhere but toward a dead end. And yet here he is, one question away from winning India's version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?"
His unlikely success, however, has lead some to believe he's cheating, a charge that results in some brutal interrogation for a confession. Even so, the lad is unwavering, mostly due to what he's experienced in his life, points brought up in his explanations regarding how he knew the answers to the show's various questions.
That's the unique setup for "Slumdog Millionaire," an intensely captivating, harrowing, moving and ultimately uplifting and completely satisfying Dickensian tale that's something of the sort of movie "The Kite Runner" wanted to be. In short, it's unlike most anything you've seen in the movies in quite a while and is one of the best offerings of 2008.
Working from screenwriter Simon Beaufoy's adaptation of Vikas Swarup's novel "Q&A," director Danny Boyle ("Trainspotting," "28 Days Later") and Indian co-director Loveleeen Tandan have obviously been inspired by the works of Charles Dickens and deliver an updated and transplanted tale of youthful woe and pluck that's arguably Boyle's best work and would likely make the 19th century British novelist proud.
From the nonlinear storytelling to the casting of and performances by relative unknowns as the kids through various ages, the fun and quirky soundtrack and Boyle's signature flashy visuals, the film is a rush from start to finish, as it easily grabs the viewer's attention and makes one care about its protagonist and his quest.
And that all stems from his initially platonic and eventually romantic relationship with Latika (played as a kid, young teen and young adult by Rubina Ali, Tanvi Ganesh Lonkar and Freida Pinto respectively). Jamal (also played by Ayush Mahesh Khedekar and Tanay Hemant Chheda) repeatedly saves her over the various years (from being an orphan out in the rain, a Fagan-like child abuser, and a crime boss), only to keep having her snatched away from him.
Paralleling that is Jamal's relationship with his older brother (Madhur Mittal, Ashutosh Lobo Gajiala and Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail through the years) who ends up heading down a decidedly different path than his sibling and behaves treacherously toward him in various ways, yet always manages to come through for him when needed. That unlikely and uncertain devotion, along with Jamal's steadfast desire to rescue and be with Latika are what give the film real depth and an emotionally satisfying core.
If there's one element that initially appears could become tiresome, but thankfully manages to avoid that, it's the overall storytelling approach. In short, while Jamal is being interrogated by an inspector (Irrfan Khan), we see a replay of a question asked of the contestant by the show's flamboyant host (Anil Kapoor). The young man then proceeds to tell a tale from his past that ultimately explains how he came to know the answers.
I worried that the back and forth framing device was going to wear out its welcome due to its repetitive nature, but the flashback tales -- individually and collectively -- are so engrossing, the characters so engaging, and the direction so superb that one ultimately doesn't mind the structure.
In fact, it works so well that viewers will likely be completely wrapped up in rooting for the protagonist to win, not just the game show, but also his lifelong quest to be with Latika. It's so masterfully told that it ends up paralleling the initial "Rocky" in that it doesn't really matter if he answers the last question correctly as long as he gets the girl.
Operating on a number of levels, all of which work terrifically, "Slumdog Millionaire" is a superb piece of filmmaking that reassures viewers -- usually bombarded with mediocre to horrific cinematic offerings -- that movies can still surprise, enthuse and completely capture one's heart and mind. It's a must-see and rates as an 8.5 out of 10.
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