Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

I won't waste time describing this films famous narrative device or even discussing the plot of the film. Chances are you've see it already. There's no great mystery to unravel or intelligent screenplay to analyze here. This film for a lot of people, especially Americans, was an introduction to India. The best thing this film does is bridge the old India and the new India together through Jamal (Dev Patel). Jamal has seen a lot. His life experience helps him become a millionaire. Though the title itself spoils that ending. He lives through the transitioning period in which India developed from a slum into a global business hub. Just as Jamal goes from rags to rajah so does India itself. The performances are great all around, the cinematography captures India through many different lenses, and the pacing is mostly spectacular. There is a few times in the second half of the film where the films energy felt rather insensitive. Displaying tragic violence and splashy entertainment side-by-side is an editing issue and it rubbed me the wrong way. Otherwise, I really enjoyed my revisit to this best picture winner.

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