Slumdog Millionaire (Danny Boyle, 2008): U.K.

Reviewed by Kathleen Amboy. Viewed at the Lobero Theatre, Santa Barbara Film Festival.

Slumdog millionaire, is that some movie about a rapper?” This was my response when my teen advised me that this was the film to see at the SBIFF – yes, he did hear the buzz long before I did. And no, it’s not a film about a rapper.

Jamal is a Muslim kid from the slums of India who encounters one frightening, horrific moment of existence after another. The film begins at the “end” and reverts backwards in time to a point when Jamal and his brother are barely surviving. They both witness the brutal death of their mother, and then exist for awhile on their own in the streets. They ultimately become the “three muskateers” when they welcome in a little stray friend (Latika) into their circle, and are then accosted by a well-organized group of sadistic, child-abusing pimps. There are many heart-rending, hold-your-breath moments as Jamal’s story unfolds to the local police, who think of him as a liar, cheat, and slumdog.

Just when you think his life can’t get any worse – it does! Jamal is painfully separated from his sweet Latika, reunited, and separated again! In India everyone watches “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” and Jamal is determined to get on the show – not to win, but in order to be seen by his beautiful Latika!

Yes, it is a love story. Yes, it is brutal. No, I’m not going to divulge anymore. It is a must-see and preferably before Oscar time! The camera work, editing, and musical score are thrilling!


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