Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

 

Slumdog Millionaire  (2008)

 

 

 

You know that feeling you get after a trivia night?

It's not because you're a genius, but questions asked just happen to be things you know.
Whether it's something your politics teacher drummed into you at school or a book you read five times over, sometimes you just have a very good run.
In Slumdog Millionaire we meet 18 year old Jamal, having a very, very good run on the Indian version of "Who wants to be a millionaire?" television game show.
In fact his run is so good, he is accused of cheating.
Is he or has life experience provided answers?
With each question asked to Jamal, we learn more about his childhood with brother Salim.
Jamal and Salim were orphaned when their mother was killed in Hindu-Muslim riots in the Mumbai slums.
It's a heartbreaking existence but Jamal finds life a little easier with the friendship of the also orphaned Latika.
Hungry and homeless the "three musketeers" think their luck's changed when they are taken to what appears to be an orphanage.
When Salim discovers what is really happening to orphans here, the trio make a run for it.
Latika is lost in the escape and so begins Jamal's search for his lost friend.
Slumdog Millionaire is heartbreaking yet heart-warming and celebrates the human spirit.
The film is based on the book Q and A by Vikas Swarup and directed by Danny Boyle of Trainspotting and 28 Days Later fame.
The film has already picked up many awards including Golden Globes for Best Drama Film and Director and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Ensemble Cast.
It's nominated for 11 British Academy Film Awards and ten Academy Awards.
It's refreshing none the least for casting a number of little known and unknown actors.