Slumdog Millionaire is a 2008 British film directed by Danny Boyle, written by Simon Beaufoy, and co-directed in India by Loveleen Tandan. The film tells the story of a young man from the slums of Mumbai who appears on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and exceeds people’s expectations, thereby arousing the suspicions of the game show host and of law enforcement officials.

The film was nominated for ten Academy Awards in 2009 and won eight, the most for any film of 2008, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. The question remains: why did this film steal the hearts of filmgoers (as well as stealing the Best Picture win from The Dark Knight)? We explored the depth of this film’s narrative themes and why it tugged on so many heartstrings at a recent Film and Theology Event.

Some people view movies as “mindless” entertainment when the reality is, more often than not, screenwriters and directors are expressing themes and worldviews that are powerful or curious to them. Film and Theology exists to point to these themes, as well as what compels us to tell stories. Entertainment is not mindless, it is engaging our mind; the real question is are we mindful of it – are we engaging it, or is it engaging us?

Listen to the message here by clicking the image above, or download it by right-clicking HERE. Choose from other options by visiting the Mars Hill Media Library.