Review of Lion (2015) by Chris W — 20 Feb 2017
Lion tells a truly incredulous story in a delicate, compassionate and credible way. It's a film of a definite two halves; the first half unflinchingly depicting the harsh brutalities of street life for Calcutta's lost children, the second half a more palatable but well-trodden journey of self-discovery.
Patel's honest performance prevents this sentimentality becoming too mawkish, ably assisted by a grounded Kidman as his adopted mother (one of her finest performances for some years). For me however it's 5 year old Saroo's story that was the most engrossing, alarming and heart-breaking, played with perfection by Pawar.
Lion may play safe in its storytelling, but it's affecting, distressing and ultimately uplifting. Only the hardest of hearts could fail to quiver a little by the closing credits.
This review of Lion (2015) was written by Chris W on 20 Feb 2017.
Lion has generally received positive reviews.
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