Review of Lion (2016) by Jocey D — 24 Jan 2017

Lion tells the story of Saroo brierley. Brieley at the age of 5 got lost on a train from Ganesh Talai to Calcutta for several days. After months of being in Calcutta having lived in an indian couples home and a orphanage Saroo gets taken in by an australian couple who raises him and his adoptive brother Mantosh. 20 years later Saroo begins remembering his past and decides to go and look for his family again.

This was a verrrrry touching film that is so emotional and compelling. Such a fantastic and human script. This movie definitely speaks to any and all families who adopt a child. There are always so many questions that arise when taking on that responsibility, How will the child cope to the new surroundings? when will they ask about their parents? will they try to find their parents? will they hate us? and the movie makes you think about all of those factors. At the same time it also makes you think about families that lose a son or daughter or even multiple kids. Are they alive?, where could they be? will I see them again? and so on.

Garth Davis handled this true story so well and beautifully shot these deep emotional scenes both in the past and present. beautifully orchestrated music and very solid editing as well. Also the good lighting in here made for very intimate settings in a lot of scenes.

Dev patel is remarkable in this role as saroo. He is a bright kind young man but his heart still yearns to find his family again. Patel isn't so much in a supporting role here but more commands the screen as a lead. every pained look on his face shows the true feelings of saroo's heart which is lost here. sunny pawar was excellent in his debut role. He showed real prowess as an actor and played this young version of saroo who didn't break down after being lost but more so kept himself strong and hopeful that one day he would return home. Nicole Kidman gives her most tender and heartwarming performance in years. This mother who had a heart of gold wanted to do nothing more than help two children grow up and become fine young men who could make the right choices for themselves.

Lion will make some cry but also will move you. A powerful story that must be seen.