And the Best Picture goes to....

Be prepared for some subtitles.

“Slumdog Millionaire,” directed by Danny Boyle, is a film that tries to be both inspirational and gritty, telling the story of Jamal Malik, a young man from the slums of Mumbai who competes on a quiz show while reflecting on his life experiences to come up with the answers.

With a budget of around $15 million, it features a very visual style but falters when delivering a somewhat clumsy plot.  While the film has achieved considerable acclaim, including eight Academy Awards, my experience was decidedly mixed. The central premise—a poor boy overcoming extraordinary odds to win a fortune—has potential, yet the execution left something to be desired. Initially, I was captivated during the first hour, but by the second half, I found myself losing interest, and I can’t quite pinpoint why. Overall, it was just okay.

One aspect that detracted from my enjoyment was the pacing. The flashback sequences that reveal Jamal’s backstory started out intriguing but eventually included moments that felt quite unbelievable. For instance, would a contestant on a national game show really be arrested and tortured on suspicion of cheating? This scenario stretched my suspension of disbelief.

Additionally, the film painted a rather grim picture of India, presenting it as dirty, crime-ridden, and overcrowded, which left me with a negative impression of the country and no desire to ever visit.

Even with a two-hour runtime, “Slumdog Millionaire” felt longer than necessary. There were some positive aspects, including strong performances by Dev Patel and Freida Pinto, who portrayed the older versions of Jamal and Latika. Their chemistry and friendship enhanced the climax as Jamal prepared to answer the final question. Additionally, the Bollywood dance sequence at the end was an impressive and enjoyable treat.

In summary, “Slumdog Millionaire” had an intriguing premise but struggled to keep me fully engaged, leading to a mediocre experience overall. While it may appeal to dedicated fans of feel-good films, it ultimately left me feeling unimpressed.