It is no mean achievement on IMDB to get an 8.6 rating from almost 9000 votes. And I voted this a 10.
Slumdog Millionaire - the book, was on my must read list, but I could not lay hands on a copy. So, the next best thing was to watch the movie, and we managed to watch the DVD this afternoon.
The movie is depressing and uplifting at the same time; and the final feeling is one of exhilration. When Jamal Malik won the million, it is almost like someone we know has won it.
Danny Boyle has managed to do something that most of the directors could not - make a great movie out of a great book.
Without spoiling the suspense for you, I can tell you this much - You MUST watch this one.
Slumdog Millionaire is the story of Jamal Malik, Salim Malik and Latika - three orphans who move up the ladder of life in their own ways. Every frame of the film sticks to the premise and not once does it slip past and lose track of the story. The life in the slums, the various escapes, all the fights with life, the little victories, the big disappointments, the underlying comical vein, everything takes us deep into Jamal's life and that is what leads us to laugh and cry with him through out the film.
The characterization is extra ordinary - like Salim's which can neither be classified as a villainous, nor can it be termed heroic. The various facets of life in all its vibrant colors , right from the slum to the set of Who wants to be a millionaire have to be experienced!
The surprise package is Anil Kapoor, who plays the host of the show. His character too is extremely well defined, and as usual, he carries it with great aplomb.
Like the sentence on the poster, this truly is 'A movie to celebrate and a hymn to life'.
One more thing - and probably the most important thing is the music. It is a cliche to state that Rahman is a maestro. Don't listen to the sound track. Watch it and experience it. Rahman's status as a master just got a little more exalted (if it is possible!)
Do yourself a favor and watch this movie!
