ReligionDispatches.org

The best move of the year (so far) wears its Dickensian spirit and soaring optimism shamelessly and proudly on its tattered, slumdog sleeves. Slumdog Millionaire, director Danny Boyle’s cinematic triumph, demands and requires the audience to immediately believe in destiny. One that has already written the fated union of two slumdog lovers, Jamal and Latika, from an abundant inkwell overflowing with all the vibrancy, chaos, joy, despair and hope that defines modern day India. However, I warn the audience: you will have to abandon your inner cynic and 21st century nihilist to truly relish the movie’s sentiments. If not, then you won’t understand or appreciate its big-hearted intentions.