Slumdog Millionaire – The Little Movie That Could
…go all the way at the Oscars, that is. Seriously.
Remember when you were a small child your mom, grandmother, aunt, whomever would read to you the story of The Little Engine That Could? Chuga-chuga-CHOO-CHOO! For most young children, the tale of the courageous little engine that took on the biggest challenge of his life and succeeded at it, is a favorite.
“I think I can! I think I can!”
On so many levels Slumdog Millionaire is the little movie that could. Similar to that little engine, this is a film that has beat all odds to become larger than the life it was probably meant for. Being that it’s a Danny Boyle film and his works are always full of controversy, no one can deny that the artistic elements and the central theme of “destiny” intertwine so beautifully that it’s hard not to want to believe this little film very well could take it all and win the Oscar for Best Picture.
With a cast full of unknowns (to US audiences) and newcomers but equally full of talent, Boyle was certain that his masterpiece would make it only to a DVD release in US markets. It wasn’t until a deal was struck in mid-August 2008 between Warner Independent Films and Fox Searchlight (that would allow both companies to share distribution) that it was released in theaters nationwide. As of February 19th, the little movie about a boy from the slums of Mumbai India who wins the Indian version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”, has grossed over $150 million dollars worldwide!
As mentioned previously, the central theme of this film is destiny. Jamal, a young man born in the slums of Mumbai, becomes a contestant on the Indian version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”, not because of his background but rather to find the girl he believes he is destined to be with. Before you say, “Come on Lis. This sounds sappy,” I guarantee you it’s not. Far from it.
It’s a gripping tale of the impoverished lifestyle of the people who live in India’s slums and the sacrifices they have to make to live a life with some semblance of normalcy. What happens to one little boy (Jamal), his brother (Salim), and their female friend (Latika) to beat the odds, the turns that each one takes and the challenges they face brings a whole new meaning to the “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” craze.
Slumdog Millionaire is unquestionably one of the year’s BEST films and as deserving of its Oscar nods as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is. How does one choose which deserves Oscar’s highest honor?
I give Slumdog Millionaire -
Tune in to your local ABC station tonight for the 81st Annual Academy Awards LIVE from Tinseltown. And remember, follow me on Twitter beginning at 6pm with LIVE On the Red Carpet too.
Until next time, see YOU at the movies!
Lisa 
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Slumdog is a very good film, great to see stuff that is different, and all so real. A very good watch for any move fan.