Review of Lion (2015) by Johnny T — 23 Feb 2017

Director Garth Davis' debut is a touch over-stretched but impossible to resist - a classy crowd-pleaser with an especially magical first half. Lion's undeniably uplifting story and talented cast make it a moving journey that transcends the typical cliches of its genre. Once in awhile, a movie comes along that is so touching and sincere, without a moment of false emotion or manipulative self-indulgence, that it establishes squatters' rights and moves into your heart to stay. This amazing true story with remarkable performances by Dev Patel, Rooney Mara, Nicole Kidman and newcomer Sunny Pawar has, like the title would suggest, a blend of brute force and elegance. Patel brilliantly portrays a young man adrift in a sea of uncertainty towards his identity, haunted by a past he barely survived and guilt ridden over loving a family he barely knew. Lion starts strong and finishes on a teary high, with its comparatively lesser moments buoyed by the presence of Patel. A sober and yet profoundly stirring contemplation of family, roots, identity and home, which engrosses throughout the course of its two-hour running time. Unsurprisingly, the finale is manipulative in every way, squeezing out the emotions of the audience. But Lion's well-plotted narrative and thoughtful characters suck you in so much that the journey there is totally worth it.

VERDICT: "High-Quality Stuff" - [Positive Reaction] This is a rating to a movie I view as very entertaining and well made, and definitely worth paying the full price at a theatre to see or own on DVD. It is not perfect, but it is definitely excellent. (Films that are rated 3.5 or 4 stars).