Boyle, D. (Director) & Beaufoy, S. (Writer). Slumdog Millionaire. [Motion picture]. (2009). United Kingdom: Pathe Pictures.
Plot Summary:
Desperate to prove his innocence, an eighteen-year old orphan from the Mumbai slums reflects back on his turbulent life while competing to win big money on India's game show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Jamal Malik may be poor, but that could all change in a matter of hours. He has one more question to answer and it may mean taking the top prize. Naturally, it won’t be easy. Arrested under suspicion of cheating at the game show, Jamal is interrogated by the police. The police can't believe that a common "slumdog" could possibly know the answers to a game of knowledge. In order to convince them, Jamal reflects back on his childhood.
As young boys, Jamal and his older brother, Salim, lived in poverty and lost their mother in a mob attack. Forced to fight for their own survival, the desperate siblings engage in petty crime while befriending a girl named Latika. Life on the streets is tough and Jamal's experiences give him the knowledge needed to answer the game show questions. When he wins, he is able to rise above his unfortunate beginnings and finally get the girl he has always loved.
Critical Evaluation:
This movie won the Academy Award for Best Picture last year. It’s a gripping tale of heroism, struggle, love and friendship set in the rough world of modern India. It’s an uplifting film that’s got heart, even when the fast paced story provides enough adrenaline-pumping suspense for viewers. We see Jamal keep his humanity and kindness even when his beloved brother repeatedly disappoints and betrays him. When he succeeds, it feels truly earned. The violence, poverty and exploitation might be tough for teens to watch, but the lessons learned and enduring love between Jamal and Latika will appeal to young adults.
Reader’s Annotation:
Who wants to be a millionaire? Jamal is ready to play…because his very life and love depends on it. Will he win?
Information About the Director:
Danny Boyle was born in 1956 in England. After theatre work for the Joint Stock Company and Royal Court, he moved into television and directing feature-length episodes of the popular TV series. In 1993, he emerged into feature film directing and received critical acclaim for his work. Directing American films, he is best known for Trainspotting and 29 Days Later. His film, Slumdog Millionaire, won the Academy Award for Best Picture of 2008 and he won the Academy Award for Best Director.
Genre:
Teen Issues: Crime and Criminals, Outsiders, Gangs, Homelessness and Foster Living
Contemporary Life: Coming of Age, Romance
Curriculum Ties: Ethnic Studies class, Geography class, Filmmaking class, Book clubs, Social clubs
Movietalking Ideas:
1.) Jamal and Salim’s brotherly relationship
2.) The enduring love between Jamal and Latika
3.) The significance of the game show in India
4.) Are the police bad or good in this film?
5.) Bollywood films today
Reading Level/Interest Age: Grades 10-12
Challenge Issues/Defenses:
Potential Challenges:
• Depictions of violence
• Depictions of sexual behavior
• Adult Language
• Content includes references to drinking, drug use and smoking
Defense Strategy:
• Provide our Collection Development Policy (which includes Young Adult scope): http://ww2.cityofpasadena.net/library/collection.asp
• Refer to awards won by this book from reputable organizations:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slumdog_Millionaire
• Provide movie reviews by actual readers on a publicly accessible website:
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/slumdog_millionaire/
• Provide discussion questions teachers have used to address issues or book content:
http://famvin.org/en/archive/slumdog-millionaire-discussion-guide
• Provide advisory reviews for parents about this book’s content and age appropriateness:
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/slumdog-millionaire
Why This Movie Was Included: It was a good movie that I saw last year, with lots of action, relationship conflicts, coming-of-age issues, romance and suspense. I viewed it again for this assignment and think older teens will like it and recommend it to their friends. It’s a strong story about overcoming obstacles and believing in yourself.
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