Directors:
Danny Boyle
Loveleen Tandan (co-director: India)
Release Date:
23 January 2009 (USA)
Genre:
Crime, drama, romance
Discussion outline:
1. Review of how we respond to film: avoidance, skepticism, curiosity, assimilation
2. Review of Framework for critique: aesthetics, what the film depicts as good in the world, what the film depicts as bad in the world, does the film cause me to act for some good
3. Director’s comments [15 min.] from menu, extras
4. Scene 3 Slumdog children [5 min]
- How would you describe the children’s play?
- What kind of relationship do Jamal and his brother have?
- As the policeman chases the children, what is revealed about the world that the children live in?
5. Scene 6 Mother’s death, attach on Muslims [5 min]
- What is normal or abnormal about the washing scene?
- In the game show, Jamal says he wishes he didn’t know the answer to the question. What did he mean?
6. Scene 12 Taj Mahal [5 min]
- The scams that Jamal and his brother pull off at the Taj Mahal seem to evoke humor. Why is this even though what they do is wrong?
- Is it possible to always be ethical and yet survive under horrible conditions?
7. Scene 23 Attack on Lakita [4 min]
- Salim’s life choices have obviously been different, yet he and Jamal had the same upbringing. What brought Salim to this point? Jamal?
- Why was Lakita scarred?
8. Scenes 27 & 28 Reconciliation, dance [5 min] “It is destiny”
- What is the difference between destiny and hope?
- Does Christianity have both?
Relevant Scripture
James 2:1-4
“My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “you stand there” or Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”
Deuteronomy 15:11
There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be open handed toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.
Patti's World 