Slumdog Millionaire: The Best Film of 2008

Ok, I know 2008 isn't over and there are a lot of films coming out in the next 6 weeks but since last week I had to really struggle to name my favorite film of the year so far (I ended up digging all the way back to January's In Bruges), I am pleased to announce that Slumdog Millionaire has shot straight to the top of the list.

Since Slumdog Millionaire is a tale about a boy from the slums of Bombay, it goes without saying that there are many gut wrenching scenes in the film, mainly involved horrors committed against children. Those scenes were hard to watch but were also so well acted and interesting that I couldn't look away. However, the film overall is a beautiful, uplifting love story that has still left me with a smile on my face a day later. I don't want to give the plot away (I had read too much before I saw it) so please trust me and discover it for yourself. I will point out though that the sequence over the closing credits sealed the deal and should not be missed.

I also want to acknowledge the amazing performance of all the young actors, particularly Dev Patel as the main character as his present day self. Although this is Patel's first film, I've been watching him as Anwar on the BBC America show Skins where he mainly serves as comic relief. Just from watching Skins I never would have guessed that he was capable of this level of emotional performance and I do hope that we get to see a lot more of him in the future (his career should be amply fueled by the buzz from the film alone).

Manohla Dargis in the Times seemed to imply that the incongruity between the harshness of the film's setting and the cheeriness of its goals involves a blatant, commercial manipulation and that although she gave into the film, she felt somehow used. http://movies.nytimes.com/2008/11/12/movies/12slum.html It certainly is the case that the film does not try to comment realistically on the poverty in Bombay and chooses instead to remain in the world of fantasy. This may be a manipulation of sorts but when a movie leaves you so happy who the heck really cares? A serious, well-made film about the horrors of life in the slums of India could very well be interesting, thought-provoking, moving and would likely make me depressed for days. Those types of films are important but it is also important to make interesting, thought-provoking, moving and joyful films. I find a beautiful, joyful film is better than anti-depressants - if I'm feeling down and need a pick me up, I can trust certain films will always make me feel better and that's a wonderful thing. Slumdog Millionaire did that in spades and even if it has a Hollywood/Bollywood ending, I happily swallowed it down and would strongly recommend you do the same.

If you need a taste now, here's the trailer. It may not be playing everywhere yet but it should be coming real soon:



P.S. If you enjoy Slumdog Millionaire, please rent Millions, another uplifting Danny Boyle film involving adorable children with much less dire problems. It will keep the smile going.