FamilyFans Movies
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SLUMDOG
MILLIONAIRE (R)
Plot Summary: A young man’s life experiences are revealed through the questions he receives in “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?”
Reason for the Rating: Some violence, disturbing images and language.
If you just recently heard about Slumdog Millionaire, you’re not alone. This was a “sleeper.” And I don’t mean it was boring, but this is a movie that started out playing in limited theaters…those “artsy” cinemas that play foreign and more obscure American films. And then suddenly, everyone seemed to be talking about it, and it’s everywhere. Especially after it’s been honored with multiple Golden Globe, SAG, and Oscar nominations and awards.
Slumdog Millionaire tells the story of Jamal Malik (Dev Patel), who is a contestant on the Indian version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” He is one question away from winning the jackpot, something no one can believe. Jamal has no logical ability to win this trivia game. He grew up in the slums of Mumbai with very little education. He and his brother, Salim (Madhur Mittal), scavenge for everything they eat and wear. Whether it’s sneaking food from the train they ride, or stealing shoes from visitors at the Taj Majal, Jamal and Salim work their way through life, managing to stay together and escape many of the dangers of vagabond living. A kid like this couldn’t possibly know the answers to all these questions. The police are called and the interrogation begins.
This
is where the movie gets started. Jamal knows all the answers because of his life
experiences. He knows who is on the American $100 bill, because he’s held one.
He knows the author of a poem, because he was forced to sing it during his brief
stay in an orphanage. As each question is asked, Jamal takes us on the journey
of his life where we meet Salim and his best friend, Latika (Freida Pinto),
another orphan who comes and goes from his life.
Many may recognize elements of the story as those contained in novels by Charles Dickens. Like David Copperfield, and Pip in Great Expectations, Jamal is an orphan who faces many adversaries and prejudices, yet overcomes to find love and success. Who doesn’t like that kind of story?
Slumdog Millionaire is a powerful movie that will touch your heart. It is impossible not to be moved by the hard-knock life of Jamal and the millions of other street kids of Mumbai. The slums are an ugly and scary place to live, and even worse when you’re an orphan, surviving on your own.
Seeing
this from an American viewpoint, one is left with a sadness for those who live
this life, but in India it is a situation that is accepted. To live in the slums
is one’s destiny…it is simply life. But the great thing about this movie is that
it doesn’t leave you there.
This is a story about hope and survival. It’s about perseverance, prejudice, and overcoming trials.
And, yes, it’s about destiny
FAMILYFANS RECOMMENDS:
Slumdog Millionaire is a movie you must see. Scrap your other plans and forget that other movie you were interested in. This is a movie that will lay a hand on your heart and not let go.
AFTER THE SHOW:
Use these questions to spark discussion among family members who are interested in this movie:
• Do you believe in destiny? Is life what you make of it, or what comes your way?
• Jamal’s purpose in life was to find and care for Latika. Salim’s purpose was to care for himself. What is of greatest importance in your life? What passion marks your life?
• James 1:2-3 says to consider it all joy when you encounter trials. Is this a mark of your life, or something you need to work on?
JW
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