Dickensian is the word that comes to mind when trying to describe Slumdog Millionaire. Like Oliver Twist the two orphans who move around Bombay’s (later Mumbai’s) hellish slums fall into the clutches of a man that makes Fagin look like Mother Teresa. As the brothers grow up, one turns to crime and the other follows his passion to reunite with the girl he loves. The juxtaposition of modernity–cell phones, computers, sky scrappers–and the millions of poor people living in savage slums is unnerving. For a “feel good” movie, there’s a disturbing amount of casual violence. However, if you want to see one of the best movies of the year, run–don’t walk–to Slumdog Millionaire.
I haven’t seen it yet – though I will – but I have read the book (Q & A by Vikas Swarup, an Indian diplomat) and it was a good one. I do get the impression the movie changed the book greatly, starting with the two friends now being brothers.
As you suspected, there are major changes between the movie and the book. I find it amazing that half the action of SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE is carried by incredible child actors! Astonishing!
I liked all of it–from the scary Dickensian scenes early on to the Bollywood ending. Great movie.
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE shows the power of great storytelling and great characters. There was no “star-power” here, just plain old school movie-making.