‘Masterpiece’ film released almost 20 years ago that won 8 Oscars

Danny Boyle directed this absolute classic.

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The film was released in the UK in 2009 (Image: Celador Films/Film4)

If you’re looking for your next watch but want to be sure it will hit the spot like a great film usually does, then you’ve come to the right place. Despite being released almost 20 years ago, this film remains up there with the very best.

Slumdog Millionaire was first released in the UK in 2009 and was instantly met with critical acclaim. Danny Boyle directed the film and it was written by Simon Beaufoy, produced by Christian Colson, with co-direction also credited to Loveleen Tandan.

The film was loosely based on the novel Q & A (2005) by Indian author Vikas Swarup. It stars Dev Patel in his film debut, with filming taking place in India. The film was described as a sleeper hit that became widely acclaimed, with particular praise for its plot, soundtrack, cinematography, editing, direction and performances.
Dev Patel

Slumdog Millionaire was Dev Patel’s film debut (Image: Celador Films/Film4)

It was nominated for 10 Academy Awards in 2009 and won eight of them – the most of any 2008 film. This includes Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It also won seven BAFTA Awards, including Best Film, five Critics’ Choice Awards and four Golden Globes.

The film’s synopsis reads: “As 18-year-old Jamal Malik answers questions on the Indian version of ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,’ flashbacks show how he got there. Part of a stable of young thieves after their mother dies, Jamal and his brother, Salim, survive on the streets of Mumbai. Salim finds the life of crime agreeable, but Jamal scrapes by with small jobs until landing a spot on the game show.”

Slumdog Millionaire has earned a near-perfect 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The critics’ consensus states: “Visually dazzling and emotionally resonant, Slumdog Millionaire is a film that’s both entertaining and powerful.”

One critic wrote: “One of my favourite best picture winners.”

Slumdog Millionaire

Slumdog Millionaire won Best Picture at the Oscars in 2009 (Image: Celador Films/Film4)

Another said: “Danny Boyle has mastered the modern fairy tale. Eliminating fantasy from the equation and finding magic in the everyday, he’s grounded the dreamy storybook experience with realistic settings and circumstances that don’t diminish the fateful exhilaration.”

“A. – Movie magic at its most glorious; B. Danny Boyle’s Masterpiece; C. A celebration of life and love with a little help from Destiny; D. All of the Above. My Final Answer: D. All of the Above,” added a third.

Fans of the film have also expressed their thoughts on Rotten Tomatoes.

One said: “This is the last truly great movie for me. Let’s take a look at the list of best pictures since then. This is the one I enjoy the most. It’s a magical tale in a love story. It wasn’t what I expected. It was much more than that.”

Slumdog Millionaire is available to stream on most film-watching platforms.

CRE: https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/films/2213572/masterpiece-film-released-almost-20