bitten by the slumdog

I don't make it to many movies (in fact, I see most while in flight!), but I made a point recently of viewing Slumdog Millionaire. While I'll try not to give too much away for those who haven't been yet, I will say this: if you haven't seen it yet, when are you planning on going?!

The storyline (warning: the following may be a spoiler of sorts), is that of Jamal, a young, uneducated man from the slums of Mumbai (formerly Bombay) who goes on the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and does so well that those in charge believe he is somehow cheating. During his interrogation he shares vignettes of his life story with the authorities that demonstrate just how he could know the answers to the questions given.

There is so much to this story, multiple subplots and themes, great visuals and music, life lessons and education, that it's hard to encapsulate feeling and thought. The most obvious theme woven is the love story that exists between Jamal and Latika, whom he first meets in the slums while they are still children. They travel through life, both together and apart, but he never loses his focus and commitment to her. Equally powerful is the bond Jamal shares with his older brother, Salim. Theirs is a journey of small boys who fight their way into adulthood as they criss-cross the great Indian subcontinent, growing, learning and surviving together. They share a secure relationship which somehow manages to transcend their circumstances, differences and choices.

And those circumstances and choices play a major role in the theme that I found perhaps most compelling. Both boys experience the same issues, problems and horrific events in their lives (although from different perspectives since Salim, as older brother, often assumes the role of protector). Though they encounter the same circumstances, results are very different. Their choices determine the paths they'll travel, and ultimately their life courses. I saw again that it's not the things that happen to us that matter most, but how we choose to respond to those things that determine our direction. We don't have to live as victims, because we have the ability to choose the better path...if we will.

Redemption is another powerful thread found in Slumdog. Salim consistently comes through for others (against his inclination of selfishness and ambition) when it matters most. And Jamal makes it his life priority to find Latika, regardless of personal cost or danger. Their actions scream to us the great value and need for the human connection, and are particularly provocative as they are set against the canvas of the massive Mumbai slums, which almost reflexively swallow and consume human life with no consideration or remorse.

I was disturbed by the condition of the children living in the slums and garbage heaps, enthralled by a culture so colorfully depicted, chilled by the gross inhumanity displayed by those consumed by their own avarice, moved by the determination to triumph in the face or overwhelming odds, and challenged to try harder to make a difference in my own world with those who suffer so greatly.

There are so many worthless movies that waste our time, money and focus. But once in a great while one comes along that shakes us up, makes us uncomfortable, moves our hearts and minds, and could be considered an investment of our attention and resources. This is that kind of experience. If you see Slumdog Millionaire (btw, it's rated R for violence which, though neither explicit or graphic, is often intense), you might do it with a friend, so you can unpack your thoughts and feelings with someone who has just made the bumpy ride with you. With any luck, you also will feel unsettled, and maybe even a bit rattled in your soul.

We should all be so lucky.