Slumdog Millionaire (Danny Boyle)

The Indian police arrest Jamal (Dev Patel) after he reaches the final question on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. He is one right answer away from winning 20 million rupees, but the police refuse to believe that a lowly team boy and slumdog could know all the answers. After torturing him for a confession doesn't work, Jamal tells them his life story, and how the answers were written into his past.
Ignore the backlash and listen to the cries of acclaim. Slumdog Millionaire is, and I do not regret saying this, the best movie out of all the ones I've seen these past few days. How odd that a tale that contains a game show I cannot stand (Anil Kapoor is wonderfully sneering as the Indian equivalent of Chris Tarrant). The game show isn't the film's centre though. What Boyle is really interested in is India itself. Although the film doesn't shy away from the extremities of the country and it's harsh conditions, it's clear that the film loves India deeply. Filmed with urgency and brightness, it's a country of colours and full to the brim with life. Using handheld cameras, Boyle throws you right into the middle of the action and doesn't stop for breath. The score is equally exciting and features an excellent use of Paper Planes by M.I.A. You don't stop moving, just like Jamal.
It's really an ensemble piece, with 3 actors playing the 3 main characters of Jamal, his brother Salim and the love of his life he spends years looking for, Latika. If I had to pick a standout piece of acting, then the honour would fall on Dev Patel. Previously best known as Anwar from Skins, he has a wonderful ability of appearing to do nothing yet being completely grabbing. I hope this leads to big things for him.
The story is contrived but you really don't care. There's a Capra-esque joy in the story and the direction that Jamal's life takes in the pursuit of love. It's an old fashioned tale of the underdog, one you want to get the money and the girl. There are some wonderfully funny moments, such as Jamal's attempts at being a tour guide in the Taj Mahal. Don't go to the film under the impression that it's the feelgood film of the year like it is advertised. A film that opens with police brutality and features orphans being blinded and prostitution isn't your happy-go-lucky sort of viewing experience. The final 10 minutes are pure gold though, including the best dance sequence you'll see all year. The romance is of the fairy-tale variety but no less enjoyable. Frieda Pinto is very underused, though she is incredibly beautiful.
Slumdog Millionaire is an odd film but it's one of the most enjoyable experiences I've ever had at the cinema. I laughed, I cried, I sat on the edge of my seat with awe and I loved every second of it. Ignore the haters and hope that the Academy make the right choice because this is the best film of the year.