Movie Review- Slumdog Millionaire

This film came highly recommended by several people. I finally got a chance to see it. It took me a while to get into the story, but once I finally did, it was an enjoyable ride.

The film is the story of a young man from the slums of Mumbai, India (formerly Bombay) who gets a chance to compete on the Indian television version "Who wants to be a Millionaire?" He scores better than anyone in the history of the show. Thus, he is accused cheating. The host of the show, as well as the police, want to know how it is that a kid from the slums could know so much. The answers to the questions are provided by his retelling his life story to the police. In other words, every experience he has had in his life has led him to the answer to one of the show's questions.

The tale is, at its core, a love story. It depicts a vast, inescapable, relentless love. This alone makes it a Gospel Handle. More on that later, though. The film also provides other theological fodder. One scene, for example, depicts a vision of the Hindu deity Rama. Additionally, theological/social justice issues such as class, education, crime and poverty are addressed.

The other primary theological issue deals with a sense of purpose. It seeks to answer the question of whether things that happen to us, or things that we experience, occur for a reason or are they random chance? Do they serve a purpose, and can we use them in our purpose?

GOSPEL HANDLES

As I stated above, the type of love that the main character (Jamal) shows for a woman (Latika) is the core of the film. It is also a wonderful metaphor for God's love to His creations (us). Further, just as Jamal will not give upon Latika, no matter how dire the situation is, God doesn't give up on us.

Another Gospel handle is the relationship of Jamal to his older brother, Salim. His brother makes some very sacrificial decisions regarding Jamal. Jamal does not always realize it at the time. However, he mostly has Jamal's interest at heart. This, too, is an appropriate metaphor for God.

CLERGY HANDLES

There are no clergy depictions to speak of.

The preacher who searches this film for sermon fodder and illustrations will be richly rewarded. Theological significance abounds here. Another added bonus is that the film provides a non-western perspective, which will add nice diversity to any sermon.