Slumdog Millionaire: Film Analysis
Films, motion picture or photoplays begun as popular entertainment for many people, like families and friends. Film industries organize film festivals for extended presentation of particular films that were/are blockbuster to many viewers. There are also many types of film festival for different genres of films.
In this film analysis, I’ve chosen Slumdog Millionaire because I have seen this film many times and I noticed that there are countless numbers of social issues that were portrayed in the film. Slumdog Millionaire was released August 11, 2009, directed by Danny Boyle. The film received the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director, Best in Cinematography, Best in Film Editing and many more.
Films tend to be the mirror of family and human relationship (Subotnik & Harris, 2005). Films represent many aspects of the human relationship through the use of social issues that are present in the real world. That is why viewers become so hooked to films, because they reflect and show what we have in our own world.
The social issues presented were child trafficking, children’s rights, child prostitution, environmental issues, child labor and many more.
Recruitment is another definition of child trafficking. In the film, the children gathered by Maman (a criminal individual) are forced to beg money in the streets; in return for the food and shelter that Maman provides them. Child trafficking is also recognized as human rights violation. Studies show that child beggars were found to be aggressive. They are beaten up when daily quotas are not met. Such environment leads children to learn aggressive survival skills and protect themselves. Throughout the movie, he became tough and aggressive at a very young age. And also being the “right hand” of Maman, he felt that he had that sense of responsibility that he possessed even after their escape.
Another issue presented was children’s rights. Children are not given freedom to play. They are even chased and punished for actions that are not even illegal. One scene showed the children playing in one area, when the guards came with sticks ready to hit the children. I think these children’s rights are taken even with this simple situation. Even though it may not be the right place for children to play, I think there should be no hitting and violence is not the answer to this situation.
Child prostitution was also presented when the character, Latika was to be sold for prostitution. Though it was not shown in the scene, Maman’s dialogue proved that Latika was a “prize” to him. Meaning Latika’s virginity is bonus to him when he offers her to a costumer. This scene also suggest child trafficking because Maman is only using force for them to work for him. Health consequences of child prostitution include sever trauma, stress, depression, anxiety, and eating disorder.
India is a long way from environmental quality compared to other countries. The country faces pollution as the major challenge of the country. This environmental issue is one of the primary causes of diseases, health issues and long-term impact to India.
Over the next years, Jamal and Salin lived travelling on top of a train, selling goods to passengers, picking pockets, working as dishwashers, and pretending to be tour guides at the Taj Mahal. At an early age, they’ve learned to work for themselves and for their hunger. Because of their situation, they had to work, not that they were forced but they had to. No one else would provide for him or her but themselves. With that, they were kept away from school. This has greatly affected the children’s way of thinking and the children’s attitudes. Jamal and Samil’s childhood were also taken away from them.
Reference:
Harris, G. & Subotnik, R. (2005).Surviving infidelity: Making decisions recovering from the pain. Adams Media: MA, USA
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