I don't know how many of you have seen Slumdog Millionaire (Academy Award winner for Best Picture this year), but I saw it last weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. The story of Jamal's life in the slums of Mumbai is told through a series of flashbacks that revolve around each question he has answered correctly in India's version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. He is uneducated and impoverished, so the chief of police believes is is cheating to have answered all the questions correctly (the show breaks for the day before the last question - this break is when the film takes place). But as he replays each question one by one Jamal relates an episode of his life that shows how he came to know the right answer.

The movie is a fascinating glimpse into the extreme poverty the kids in the slums face, as well as an illustration of how the children and adults respond to it differently, both good and bad. This isn't a weepy, depressing melodrama - it is captivating and full of energy from the start with real characters that change and evolve over time. I found myself riveted to the story and invested in the characters in a way I haven't been in a long time at the movies. The film is unique, original, honest, and ultimately rewarding.

As far as objectionable content: there is no nudity (other than a brief glimpse at a young boy's backside - completely non-sexual context), no sex at all, and only a spattering of foul language, but no blasphemy. The violence is more implied than explicit, including several scenes involving the mutilation of children (implied), two murders with a gun, a mass religious riot (Hindu-Muslim), and torture. The violence is not at all gratuitous, and plays a major role in the plot.

In terms of worldview, the film takes place in a Hindu/Muslim culture, so there is basically no mention of Christianity at all. However, the themes of loyalty, the nature of true romantic love, and the depravity of man are all in line with Christian values. Without giving away any of the plot, the idea of the sovereignty of God and His control of all things in life - that we often cannot understand - is evident to the Christian viewer, though not explicitly stated in the film. It certainly does not glorify sex, violence, or sin of any sort. I gave it a "4" in the worldview category simply because it is based in a non-Christian culture without explicit Christian values.

Overall 4 because some here might be offended by the violence and occasional profanity. Otherwise excellent, moving film.