I know there has been a lot of hype about the latest effort of Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, 28 Days Later), based on the book Q&A by Vikas Swarup. In my humble opinion, it deserves most of it. This movie has something for everyone – action for the men, romance for the women, and a happy ending.  In the end, satisfaction for all. And no, it’s not a musical, and yes, it is in English.

The movie centers around Jamal Malik, his brother Salim, and an orphan girl Latika, and follows them through their lives (three sets of actors play the characters at three different times in their lives). The opening scene places Jamal one question away from winning it all on Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, and enduring torture and interrogation to determine how he could possibly know all of the answers to the questions. From the start you’ll wonder how in the world all of the horrible events Jamal encounters can possibly result in his happiness, but the main theme is perseverance through adversity.  He never gives up looking for the woman he loves and tries everything he can to find her.

I’ve read some criticism stating that this movie is nothing more than ridiculous fantasy, but since when have we held cinema to such a high standard? This is the type of film people today need, much like Forrest Gump filled that need in the 90’s. We all want to win the lottery, but most of us expect to see someone do it in a film, not in real life.  Lighten up, and enjoy the movie.

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