FROM SLUMS TO OSCARS

I recently watched "Slumdog Millionaire". A teenager from Mumbai, who grew up in the slums, is a contestant on "Who Wants to Be A Millionaire" (The Indian Production). The teen ends up winning and is interrogated under the suspicion of cheating. Throughout the film, the viewer understands how real life experiences (rather than formal education) is the source of his knowledge. This film was absolutely fantastic, and worthy of its oscar attention. 

In the first ten minutes of the film, the viewer learns much about the portrayal of the men, women and children. The men are largely authoritative, dominant, violent, and coercive. They maintain power by instilling fear in the young. The women are "tough love" mothers. They will use force to keep their children in control. Largely, their duties are to protect their children and tend to domestic needs (cooking, cleaning). The children are fresh, naive, energetic, vivacious, rebellious, and fun-loving. The children stick together. 

In addition to gender expectations and roles, the viewer learns much about the setting of India. There seems to be stark contrast between the big city and slums. The city has technology, wealth, and entertainment inspired by the West. The slums are dirty, polluted, and poverty stricken. There, children are educated in small school houses. 

I absolutely loved this movie. I immediately told my friends to see it at their earliest convenience. This Bollywood film has many of the conventions that are similar to our Hollywood favorites. There is a happy ending. There is a romantic plot line. The video footage and soundtrack were produced with great skill. The American viewer feels more cultured after "learning" about a new way of life or culture (as represented). 

India, on the other hand, was not happy about the portrayal of the culture. It is obvious that poverty, violence and corruption are not flattering by any means. In the first scene a child is shown covered in feces. The characters throughout the film are sweaty. Brutal murdering of communities occurs due to the fact that the individuals are Muslim. Without actually visiting to India, I cannot possible critique the validity of these images. If they do not accurately portray the way of life, obviously an uproar would be sanctioned. With some research, I have found out that the child stars were actually from the slums. Sadly, they were tremendously underpaid. After the Oscar event, they returned to their poor living conditions, only to be given more money after achieving an education at age eighteen. I find this problematic. The Hollywood producers should never take advantage of those in a vulnerable position. This is a horrible misuse of knowledge and power. 

This is a must see film. I encourage you to critically evaluate all aspects of the movie.