Slumdog Millionaire

Directed by: Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan

Starring: Dev Patel, Anil Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla, Freida Pinto

Running Time: 2h 00min

Definitely a film that will stay with you, Slumdog Millionaire focuses on a part of the world we rarely get to see, with an immediacy and vibrancy that compels the viewer to become engaged in this underdog story. Using non-professional actors from shoots in real settings, director Boyle returns to his roots as a filmmaker filled with energy, spirit, and intensity.

Scaled down and minimal in budget, the economics lend the film a tenderness and realism that works to involve the audience. It's no surprise that the film rode its Audience favourite award at the Toronto Film Festival to Oscar victory. Unfortunately, like previous Oscar winners, the hype doesn't match the film itself, though if it was a self-discovered gem, i could see how movie goers would trumpet this through word of mouth. Very gritty, packed with emotional scenes and heart rendering heartbreak, Slumdog Millionaire is a sad yet beautiful portrait of Indian sweethearts.

Grade: A-