Movie: Slumdog Millionaire

Running Time: 120 Min.

MPAA Rating: Rated R for some violence, disturbing images and language.

Slumdog Millionaire:

Horrifically beautiful. Devastatingly uplifting. These are the terms that come to mind as I process last night’s movie-going experience, watching Danny Boyle’s latest film, Slumdog Millionaire. Beautifully shot and superbly acted, the whole experience was amazing. Still, I left torn: a classic case of mixed emotions.

The movie took me many places I did not expect to go. On this incredible flight of recollection, through the life of a boy from the Indian slums (who we find contemplating his memories in a jail cell, accused of cheating his way to millions) we experience a turbulent journey, filled with beauty, sandwiched between an exhilirting takeoff & a glorious landing.

The high points of the movie are mounted upon the story of this good-natured child (Jamal) from the slum who rises from the mire to pursue a better life, alongside his 2 companions: his brother, Salim and a young girl, Latika (upon whom much of the tension in the story is based). When the boys lose their mother at a young age, to a violent religious riot in the slums, they are immediately forced into survival mode. The first rainy night alone they encounter another presumably orphaned child, Latika, who Jamal has mercy on, inviting her into their makeshift shelter. The three self-proclaimed ‘musketeers’ pursue one mishap-adventure after the other until their characters are fully developed and we understand where their destinies are inevitably leading them. Jamal chooses pure ways & seeks after Latika, whom he loves, with all his heart – rescuing her time and again from frightful situations. Salim, however, chooses a different road: a fast track into crime and self-centered living. The film climaxes as Jamal, who’s once again searching for Latika, is entered onto India’s premier game show: “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.” Does he win the grand prize? You have to watch to find out.

The low points of the movie are comprised of the context of the narrative, and it’s subtle way of sneaking into the story to repeatedly disrupt the lives of these children. The low points were truly appalling: the slum, the poverty, & the culture it breeds. This horrendous culture, that emerges from the slum, is one of apathetic & corrupt officials, child prostitution, and gangsters who control this underworld. It’s a raw, visceral, and unrelenting picture that still haunts me.

The fairy-tale-like narrative of the story may leave you feeling like you can conquer the world and overcome any obstacle, but it’s also blindingly obvious that the majority of the people in the movie (and in the slums) do not. They are bound to these Indian ghettos and horror-filled lives, that most of the audience (including myself) are blindingly ignorant of. This is why my emotions were so mixed. I was enthralled by the beautiful story of this boy who overcame insurmountable odds to become all we dreamed he would. Still, I was appalled at the fact that 99.9% of the stories in that world do not have such an ending. I left feeling energized that we can overcome, yet torn as to whether I was directing that energy toward overcoming my own petty obstacles or helping others overcome the giant obstacles that make some parts of our world a living hell… poverty, injustice, and apathy.

I saw several Gospel applications in this experience, for you and me to enter into and draw faith from.

Firstly, the realization that these slums truly exist is a horrific fact that I believe the Gospel compels us to do something about. But there is hope, even in the direst of circumstances. That is the message of this film. Jamal was saved from this horrific life by fate. You and I have been saved from the horrors of sin by God. The people of these slums (and similar places all over the world) need to be saved to; not by fate, but by God's gospel working through us... saving these people from sin and it's terrifying effects. Throughout the narrative of Scripture, from the Torah to the Epistles, we see God, busy at work in the world taking care of the oppressed & marginalized. When He calls a people to be his, this is always part of their responsibility to Him. It’s recorded in the Mosaic Law and in the New Testament teachings of Jesus & the Early Church. Jesus says, “I was naked and you clothed me, hungry & you fed me, imprisoned & you visited me…whenever you have done this to the least of these, you’ve done it to me.” James says, “True religion is taking care of those in distress.”  We are called to bring change and reconciliation into these situations: this is Gospel Proclamation…this is a large part of the message of Jesus.

I also noticed several redemptive qualities in the film. Each of the character’s choices leads them to a destiny. 1) Latika’s Hope for Jamal’s return coupled with her undying love reunites them several times… true love never dies. 2) Salim chooses a life of cruelty & selfishness, which leads to eventual destruction… as it always does. 3) Jamal’s choices to be good, on the other hand, lead him toward more goodness: this is a Biblical promise toward those who pursue goodness. His pursuit of Latika’s love with the purest motive is irresistible to her…her only response is selfless love in return (much like God’s pursuit of His people and our response when we come in contact with it). His character reminded me of Genesis’ story of Joseph, who’s refusal to compromise his integrity lead to his eventual success (though several trials and struggles lied waiting on that path to test and try him).

All in all, I can plainly see why this movie took home so many awards. It was beautifully crafted, heart-warming, and challenging at the same time. It’s redemptive qualities mirror those of scripture, and it’s depictions of the horrific culture of the slums represents very real realities present all over our world, as well as our challenge as Christ-followers to make a difference in such situations. I highly recommend the film and hope you can see it. I challenge you: keep your eyes open to the needs around you and your ears open to the voice of God speaking to you in the most underestimated places… like a movie theater.

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