Critics have accurately called Slumdog Millionaire a masterpiece and a hymn. Director Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire is a modern day fairytale set in Mumbai, India. Slumdog Millionaire explodes with rich cinematography revealing the horrific vibrant tapestry of the Indian slums.
Jamal Malik, an uneducated eighteen-year-old Muslim orphan, has survived a lifetime of deprivation in the most gut-wrenching poverty imaginable. Young Jamal searches for his childhood sweetheart Latika. A stroke of good luck propels him onto the Indian version of the TV game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. As the time clock ticks loudly, and each question answered, a nervous Jamal finds himself on the edge of winning an astounding twenty million rupees. Jamal’s success results in accusations of cheating. During police questioning, Jamal reveals his hope is not the jackpot, but of finding Latika who is his destiny.
I found Slumdog Millionaire to be one of the most beautiful stories brought to life on film. Slumdog Millionaire fills the screen with lighthearted moments. The R rating is for violence and language, neither, is gratuitous. As my DH Mike says, “Sometimes life is rated R.” I am selective of the movies I allow in my life. I will not let the Hollywood rating system determine my choices. We could debate ad nauseam over the R rating, but suffice it to say, I believe I am following the current prophet with his admonition to the youth, “Choose only entertainment and media that uplift you. Do not participate in entertainment that in any way presents immorality or violent behavior as acceptable.” For me, Slumdog Millionaire fits this standard.
I was mesmerized by the theme of destiny. As a Latter-day Saint I have pondered to what extent does destiny influence my life? My patriarch blessing tells me I have an earthy mission to fulfill. I take this to be evidence of my destiny. Russell M. Nelson has spoken, “Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, such, each has a divine nature and destiny”.
So my questions to you dear reader, what is your definition of destiny? What is your personal destiny?