Slumdog Millionaire: The Final Installment in the Trilogy
So this is it.
Here’s what it all comes down to.
Do you believe in redemption?
In “Will the REAL Hero Please Stand Up” and “Will the REAL Hero Please Stand Up…The Sequel” I examine two brothers, Jamal and Salim Malik, from “Slumdog Millionaire”. The test was to ascertain which of them might be an authentic hero.
When observing Jamal, it’s obvious. He’s kind, generous, loving, forgiving, loyal, faithful, hardworking and always makes the right choices. Furthermore, it seems to come naturally for him. He makes it all look so easy.
But does his ease negate his journey or make him less of a hero?
Absolutely not!
Jamal is the hero’s hero.
Then what about Salim?
Is he never to be a hero though he’s been courageous, resourceful, protective and…two more VERY big things…but you have to keep reading to find out!
We despise Salim for his evil acts, of which there are many. And yet, he kills the three most dangerous characters in “Slumdog Millionaire”. In doing so he saves lives.
Is he a hero for killing the bad guys or is he a bad guy because he killed at all?
And what about all the praying Salim does?
I know there are those of you out there who don’t remember the scenes in “Slumdog Millionaire” wherein Salim stops to pray. I know this because one of the people I saw the movie with argued about it strongly with me. She did not see this at all even though both myself and our other friend remembered the scenes vividly.
By the time we finished, it was concluded she simply blocked the information from her consciousness because she hated his character. She saw nothing but the atrocities and had no faith that he may turn a moral corner.
My friend didn’t even hope that he would.
Her disdain for Salim obliterated any love whatsoever.
Remember, the journey is as important as the destination.
If, for even the briefest of moments, the villain comes out of the darkness long enough to make a connection with spirit or God then we must have faith in them, hope for them and love them.
That is our hero’s quest.
So, what, then, is the other thing Salim did which might make us change our opinion of him?
Earlier, I reminded you that, for all Salim’s reprehensible acts, he did kill the three most dangerous characters in “Slumdog Millionaire”.
Maman and Javed (two rival gangsters) were, both, shot and killed by Salim. Who was the third?
While Jamal is on his way to winning millions of rupees by answering the final questions on “Who Wants to be a Millionaire”, Salim tells Latika to go to Jamal and helps her escape.
Then he positions himself in a bathtub filled with money and waits for the inevitable.
When the door to the bathroom bursts open Salim shoots and kills Javed.
Javed’s henchmen open fire on Salim and the third most dangerous character in the movie is killed as sure as by his own hand.
Salim sacrificed his own life for Jamal and Latika. So they might be happy. So he might be redeemed.
In my post “The Hero’s Journey” I write;
“If, at the beginning of each day, you are willing to continue on with your journey…to strive one more time to be successful in the completion of your Quest…even if you failed the day, the hour or even the minute before…you, my friend ARE a HERO“.
No matter that he stumbled and fell over and over again, Salim did what most of us could never do.
He gave his life for another’s.
And for that, I know Salim Malik to be a REAL hero.
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ...
Awww, pure optimism! Such a wonderful way to start the day
I realy enjoyed reading your blog Colette, beautiful. I actually liked Salim. It wouldn’t be so far fetched for anyone in their situation to commit acts of crime for making a living. However, as you very beautifuly described it, the effectiveness of killing the vilains and sacrificing himself for the love of his brother, far out ways the evil acts that in a way is understandable. He sacrificed himself to compromise for probably the guilt. I don’t believe his true nature was evil.
Thank You Colette for making this great movie a feature here. When I read your post stating “Wow, Wow, wow!” (or something like that) it was exactly how I felt too. Except almost too much wow because this story reminded me so much of my life. Not in the literal sense of course…but the themes much of the same.
If there was ever a movie about SPIRIT – this is it.
Thank you!!
Leave your response!
Tao Quotes
Guest authors:
Archives
Daily Stars with Shelley von Strunckel
www.shelleyvonstrunckel.comWhile, obviously, it's important that you think out plans, waste no time on painstaking details. Judging by the coming weeks' planetary activity, even the simplest of arrangements are likely to be revised, and often. Knowing that, you're better off keeping things loose, confident that you'll deal with those refinements later on. By Shelley von Strunckel
During tricky periods, such as the one you've been going through recently, it's easy to become discouraged about ever finding a solution. Don't give up. Actually, with your ruler Venus brilliantly aspecting the intuitive Neptune, an unexpected but inspiring idea or concept could solve these dilemmas, and in a twinkling. By Shelley von Strunckel
The problem with the cycle of unexpected change currently taking place isn't the sudden nature of events. It's the humourless reaction of certain individuals to what, in reality, are rather amusing developments. Don't let their tendency to take things so seriously make you feel that, somehow, you must as well. By Shelley von Strunckel
Tempting as it is to inform others you've no intention of making a decision until you can make one you're comfortable with, you'd be inviting discord. Instead, simply opt for what seems most sensible now, explaining loudly and clearly that you regard it as tentative. Then when adjustments are necessary, nobody can complain. By Shelley von Strunckel
As much as you enjoy a lively exchange of ideas, especially with those who have something interesting to say, you quickly reach a saturation point. Still, at the moment there's a great deal to learn. Enough that although you're feeling both bored and restless, it's worth hanging in there. You'll see. By Shelley von Strunckel
Urgent as certain practical or financial issues seem, bear in mind that you're examining them in a climate of change. What's more, with your ruler Mercury retrograde, simple misunderstandings could add another layer of confusion. Knowing that, talk through every option, but steer clear of commitments that couldn't be altered at a later date. By Shelley von Strunckel
Occasionally it's important to confront those who're being unkind or unfair, even you're not directly involved. As a Libra you prefer to keep the peace. However, those who have no respect for civilised behaviour upset you. And quite rightly. You'll feel better for having stood up for what you think right. By Shelley von Strunckel
Planning ahead may be a good idea. At the moment, however, it could also get you into trouble. With Mercury retrograde until the 12th, and causing confusion in both practical matters and the most fundamental of conversations with others, even the simplest of arrangements is unlikely to remain as you intended. By Shelley von Strunckel
Every New Moon is about a fresh perspective. And because next week's accents your activities out in the world and goals in life, the moment has come to reflect on exactly such matters. However, this is only time for reflection. Make no lasting decisions until after you benefit from this period's profound insights. By Shelley von Strunckel
Annoying as the minor errors that accompany Mercury's retrograde cycle are, they can be amazingly revealing. The secret is to do more than put things right. Begin asking questions about the source and cause of those problems and what you learn could mean you're able to put them to rest for good. By Shelley von Strunckel
Obviously you feel a certain loyalty to those friends and colleagues who've been part of your life for so long. But that doesn't mean their views should influence your relationship with somebody new. If the attitude of those individuals is unwelcoming, recognise that it could be a case of simple jealousy. By Shelley von Strunckel
Take full advantage of the current intense planetary focus on joint ventures in general, and on financial issues in particular, while you can. Ideally, you'll do it now, since with both Venus and Mars departing this angle of your chart next week, things could change. And far more swiftly than you'd anticipated. By Shelley von Strunckel
© 2009 Shelley von Strunckel