Inspiring Slumdog Millionaire

It's been a long time since I've really watched movies (especially for a movie buff like me). Time has in a way taken this luxury.

And what's more - been really quite a while since I've watched an inspiring movie that keeps in my mind days and weeks after I've watched it.

Then comes this wonder movie - Slumdog Millionaire.



Honestly I didn't thought much of the movie at first, thinking it's just another love story, and an English/ Holllywood take on things Asian... which so far in a lot of times, get Asians not agreeing or 'not getting it'.

Well, actually I'm not wrong - the people in India are not so happy about it for this movie seems to show a poor side of emerging India.

But what I think I didn't know (and those who most likely haven't watched it) is that this movie is way beyond that. It's an inspiring love story of a poor street boy (from the slumps), Jamal, falling in love with another street child, Latika.

It is his strong love for her that he goes all out to find her, despite them already growing up and losing each other many times in between (sometimes, I wonder if this just in the movies).

Anyway, this is where fairytale of movies happen - he joins the competition, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. And through every question, it brings him back to how his life & falling in love with the girl began.... and in it, we the viewers get to see the glimpse of the slumps in Mumbai.

Actually, despite the outcry of many from India on the rather negative perception of the slumps but to me, that's just as to give more depth to the show. And besides, the view of beautiful Taj Mahal and even the 'colourful' streets of Mumbai tempt me to visit Incredible India!

And it just don't ends there. There's more reasons I find this movie inspiring - so much so that it's in my top 10 (make it top 3) best movie I watched so far:

This movie is itself is a tale of 'rags-to-riches'!
To the director (Danny Boyle) - Slumpdog Millionaire is like a semi indie movie (ie not the super big budget ones)... yet for it to make way to win so many awards (Best Movie - Golden Globe, British BAFTA Movie Award and even in the running for the Oscars) is so inspiring. ... I believe many other filmmakers round the world will be inspired to do great movies now, despite the smaller budget.

Foreign Perspective On A Global Theme & A 'Local' Background
I've always believed that universal ideas go far (in this case - of hope & love). However, rather than the more common 'universal' backgrounds of USA (or USA look alike), this movie uses Mumbai/ India.... giving the movie more depth. Mumbai suits the movie well - and the movie suits Mumbai!. Btw, it has really put light on India (and I believe positively!)

Not So Known Cast... Yet Film Goes Big
Have you heard of Dev Patel & Freida Pinto before? Yet, the Slumdog Millionaire is doing well because of these 'new' faces who suite their roles well, playing the innocent yet determined hero & heroine... and now turning becoming stars themselves.

Inspiring Music/ Soundtrack
Hollywood may not have heard much of A R Rahman, but this is the music face of Bollywood... and his touch, just like to his many other hits is simply mesmerising... blending so well with the movie!


The dreamy song of hopes & dreams: Dream On Fire - how aptly titled!

So, if you hardly watch movies, don't bother bout the other big bang-wang shows... but put your money into this for this movie will most likely touch you for a long long time.