Slumdog Millionaire

Title Slumdog Millionaire
Director Danny Boyle
Writer Simon Beaufoy
Starring Dev Patel, Freida Pinto
ISBN 02454357443950
Distributor 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Copyright Date 2008 (DVD)
Interest Age 15+
Rating R
Genre Contemporary Life
Plot Summary
Jamal Malik is a contestant on India's version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" and he is doing really well (to the chagrin of the show's creators). They want to know how he could possibly know all the answers to the questions and as the audience, so do we. Thus starts the tale of Slumdog Millionaire which follows Jamal from his childhood in the slums to sitting on stage, on television, for all the world and hopefully, his true love to see.
Critical Evaluation
This film garnered well-deserved attention for it's landmark portrayal of growing up in the slums of India, within a rigid caste system, rapid industrialization, overwhelming violence and crushing poverty. Jamal's character, played by Dev Patel, is fabulously acted and someone that the audience is immediately drawn to. As we learn about Dev's story, we begin to root for him, and not just to win the game show, but for the higher purpose: to reconnect with his lost love. There are some scenes that are quite violent, but this only adds to the fact that this film is a realistic potrayal of what it is like to grow up in India: though not always pretty, full of color, excitement and love. Particularly interesting is the method of using the questions that Jamal gets in order to tell the story - a clever device that captures attention. A great recommendation for fans of realistic films and teens interested in Indian culture.
Reader’s Annotation
Jamal wants to be a millionaire, but more importantly he wants to find his lost love.
Curriculum Ties Would be a great movie tie-in to a lesson about India's caste system. The dance at the end would be a fun introduction to bhangra, a traditional dance form.
DVDtalking Ideas
1. Start with a question phrased like one on the game show and then do a plot summary that highlights Jamal's struggles as a result of being born in the slums.
Challenge Issues
None
Why did I include this DVD?
Winner of eight Oscars; personal favorite.