Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Slumdog Millionaire (2008) is a modern-day fairy tale about two poor orphan brothers who make their way growing up in the slums of India. The story is adapted from the debut novel of the same name by Vikas Swarup. When Jamal Malik, a poor, uneducated "slumdog" finds himself one question away from winning 'Who wants to be a millionaire?", his integrity is questioned and he is accused of cheating. Reviewing each question with authorities, we learn that each piece of information has been tied to a deeply personal and sometimes transformative moment in Jamal's life. The story unfolds then over three periods in the boys' lives, so that we learn, through them, not only the extreme poetry and violence endemic to Mumbai's slums, but also why Jamal has come to be on this particular show. The story is a meditation on fate and chance, and, naturally, on love.

Danny Boyle, of Trainspotting fame, directs, with Anthony Dod Mantle as DP. Mantle has worked with Boyle before on 28 Days Later, and it's clear that it's his work in both films. To be honest, some of the tricksy editing felt a little contrived at first, but I came to not mind it after a short time; it lent, in fact, a sort of dream-like quality to the whole film.

Dev Patel as Jamal is really cute. Both boys are played by three separate actors as they grow up, and, naturally the two brothers are set against each other in terms of character types and life choices. We know from beginning that Jamal is going to prosper, that he is good, that he is bound for good things. Dev Patel plays the character with great grace; very attractive and dignified - we want him to win and, of course, get the girl. As much as the story is of the two brothers, it is also, at its root, a love story. And it doesn't disappoint. Definitely a feel-good movie; not saccharine, not overly histrionic; but very sweet; makes the world seem a little better.

Danny Boyle's Sunshine is in my queue. Dev Patel hasn't done much, but he is on a BBC America teen soap called Skins. It is flixed.