Review of Slumdog Millionaire (2008) by Erics — 28 Nov 2008

One of the best films of the year, along with "WALLY" and "Dark Knight." Like the others, "Slumdog Millionaire is as deep as it is entertaining. It also has the distinction of being one of the few great films in recent years that is genuinely uplifting; Boyle seems to have a thing for disturbing beginnings and tragic middles followed by surprisingly happy endings.

This approach is risky in that it opens up a film to accusations of implausibility and/or crowd pleasing. However, "Millionaire" succeeds where "Trainspotting" (another great, albeit flawed film in his impressive portfolio) fails in that the ending is, or rather, feels plausible, even if a closer inspection reveals an inherent lack of plausibility.

However, a typically tragic ending would run counter to "Millionaire's" main point. Although the film paints a vivid picture of India with thoughtful commentary on the caste system, local religious conflict and Western society's complete lack of understanding of other cultures, at its core "Slumdog Millionaire" is concerned with the timeless themes of choice and conscience.

It is plausible because it acknowledges the reality that most individuals will choose to act in their self-interest the majority of the time. On rare occasions, however, mankind's better instincts will prevail (see the film and you will know specifically what I am referring to.