Beauty Attacked in “Slumdog Millionaire”

Danny Boyle, teaming up with Indian director Loveleen Tandan, directed the hit Slumdog Millionaire. A great film, it’s about Jamal, a “slumdog” who grew up in the slums of Mumbai. Telling the story of his rise from poverty to winning 20 million rupees on the Indian version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?”, he mysteriously knows all the answers to all the increasingly difficult questions. He’s interrogated (tortured) after the first day of filming and reveals the events of his life that gave him the knowledge that he possesses. Most of his story involved surviving on the streets with his brother Salim, as well as Latika, the woman of his dreams.

This woman grows up to be beautiful Freida Pinto. She’s been stuck in forced prostitution since she was a child, and Jamal is determined to save her from this kind of life. The portrayal of those in poverty in India was heartbreaking, and the way women treated was horrendous. This leads to these questions: Why is beauty attacked (This theme was very strong in the film, as at one point Latika gets scarred by a knife to her face.)? Why is her innocence taken away at an early age? Why do men think they can use and abuse her? The film is unflinching in its portrayal of life on the streets in India, and Jamal is the man who must fight against it all.

Jamal represents those who want to free those in bondage, and his brother Salim represents those who are willing to compromise for survival- money, power, and becoming a part by the powerful gangs that take advantage of street youth. Latika is caught in the middle, and is attacked by those who see her as a way of monetary gain. It’s a powerful story of the love Jamal has for her- no matter what, he’s willing to fight to bring her to safety. He is a true hero in a world where self-preservation and personal gain are the norm.

We need more people like Jamal in this world- caring, compassionate, and willing to fight those who attack beauty.