“Films about slums” typically explore the lives of people living in impoverished urban areas, shedding light on their struggles, resilience, and the social issues they face. These films often depict the harsh realities of life in slums while also highlighting the strength and humanity of the individuals within these communities.
“Slumdog Millionaire”, 2008
Director: Danny Boyle, Loveleen Tandan
Directed by Danny Boyle, this film follows the story of Jamal Malik, a young man from the slums of Mumbai who becomes a contestant on the Indian version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” The movie intertwines his experiences growing up in the slums with his quest for love and success.
Starring: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Anil Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla, Mahesh Manjrekar, Irfan Khan, Madhur Mittal, Raj Zutshi, Jeneva Talwar, Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail, Ayush Mahesh Khedekar, Jira Banjara, Sheikh Wali, Sanchita Choudhary, Himanshu Tyagi, Sharib Hashmi, Virendra Chatterjee, Feroze Khan, Sunil Kumar Agrawal, Virender Kumar, Devesh Rawal, Rubiana Ali, Ankur Vikal, Tiger, Chirag Parmar, Nazneen Shaikh, Farzana Ansari, Anupam Shyam, Salim Chaus, Singh Shera Family, Harvinder Kaur, Narendra Singh Bhati, Tanay Chheda, Ashutosh Lobo Gajiwala, Satya Mudgal, Janet de Vigne, William Relton, David Gilliam, Mia Drake, Kinder Singh, Christine Matovich Singh, Thomas Lehmkuhl, Siddesh Patil, Najma Shaikh, Saeeda Shaikh, Alka Satpute, Tabassum Khan, Tanvi Ganesh Lonkar, Sitaram Panchal, Nigel Caesar;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: crime, drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Slumdog Millionaire” on the website imdb.com
“City of God”, 2011
Director: Lijo Jose Pellissery
Set in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, this Brazilian crime drama depicts the lives of young residents as they navigate the dangerous and violent world of organized crime. The film masterfully portrays the complexities of life in the favelas, capturing both the harsh realities and moments of hope within the community.
Starring: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Indrajith Sukumaran, Rajeev Pillai, Jagadish, Anil Murali, Sreehari, Arun Narayan, Kishore Satya, Sudheer Karamana, Shaju K.S., Jayashankar, Nandu, Achankunju, Chemban Vinod Jose, Sumesh, Rajesh Hebbar, Abraham Koshy, Payas, Das, Santhosh, Shweta Menon, Rima Kallingal, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Rohini, Valsala Menon, Renjusha Menon, Shobha Singh, Sudha Nair;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 145 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “City of God” on the website imdb.com
“Lion”, 2016
Director: Garth Davis
Based on a true story, this film follows the journey of Saroo Brierley, who gets lost on a train in India and is adopted by an Australian couple. As an adult, Saroo sets out to find his lost family, leading him back to the slums of his childhood and the memories he left behind.
Starring: Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara, David Wenham, Sunny Pawar, Abhishek Bharate, Priyanka Bose, Khushi Solanki, Shankar Nisode, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Riddhi Sen, Kaushik Sen, Rita Roy, Udayshankar Pal, Surojit Das, Deepti Naval, Menik Gooneratne, Keshav Jadhav, Benjamin Rigby, Divian Ladwa, Todd Sampson, Daniela Farinacci, Pallavi Sharda, Sachin Joab, Arka Das, Emilie Cocquerel, Vinod Chauhan, Babli Pandey, Madhukar Narlwade, Rohini Kargaiya, John Brierley, Sue Brierley, Tegan Crowley, Eamon Farren, Ethan Korver, Belinda Misevski, Lucy Moir, Anna Samson, Alexandra Schepisi, Tony Skinner;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
“Slum Bala”, 2008
Director: –
This Tamil film directed by Prabu Solomon focuses on the lives of street children in Chennai. The story revolves around a young boy who struggles to survive in the slums while forming deep connections with the people around him.
Starring: Dinesh Mangaluru, Shubha Poonja, Umashree, Duniya Vijay;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: drama;
Rating: IMDB: 0;
More information about the film “Slum Bala” on the website imdb.com
“Tsotsi”, 2005
Director: Gavin Hood
Set in the slums of Johannesburg, this South African film tells the story of a young street thug whose life takes an unexpected turn when he ends up caring for a baby that he kidnapped during a car theft. The film explores themes of redemption and the potential for change, even in the bleakest of circumstances.
Starring: Presley Chweneyagae, Terry Pheto, Kenneth Nkosi, Mothusi Magano, Zenzo Ngqobe, Zola, Rapulana Seiphemo, Nambitha Mpumlwana, Nonthuthu Sibisi, Ntuthuko Sibisi, Jerry Mofokeng, Ian Roberts, Percy Matsemela, Thembi Nyandeni, Owen Sejake, Israel Matseke-Zulu, Sindi Khambule, Benny Moshe, Bheki Vilakazi, Craig Palm, Jeremiah Ndlovu, Sibusiso Mkize, Lindokuhle Tloubatla, Samuel Tsebe, Katlego Maribune, Tumi Sejake, Juwarriyah Nkopane, Lennox Mathabathe, Eduan Van Jaarsvelt, Brian Rolfe, Mbali Khumalo, Joyce Moshoeshoe, Moses Timati, Enoch Tsotetsi, Edward Oliphant, Capheus Manamela, Ishmael Songo, Marven Lekopotsa;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Tsotsi” on the website imdb.com
These films offer a glimpse into the often overlooked lives of individuals living in slums, portraying their struggles, dreams, and the human spirit that transcends their challenging environments.
In conclusion, films about slums offer a powerful lens through which we can explore the complexities of human resilience, social disparity, and the indomitable spirit of those living in the margins of society. These narratives not only shed light on the harsh realities faced by individuals in impoverished communities but also celebrate their dreams, aspirations, and the rich tapestry of life that persists despite adversity. From the gritty realism of “City of God” to the poignant storytelling in “The Pursuit of Happyness,” these films challenge viewers to confront uncomfortable truths while igniting a sense of empathy and understanding. Ultimately, they serve as both a mirror and a window, reflecting the struggles of the disenfranchised while inviting us to engage with the broader societal issues that contribute to such living conditions.
