Review of Lion (2016) by Warwick B — 17 Feb 2017

Slum Dog Millionaire star, Dev Patel, takes a new lead in Lion, which tells the extraordinary true story of Saroo Brierley, who was separated from his family in India as a child and eventually adopted by an Australian couple. Years later he used Google Earth to retrace his home and find his birth family. The story would be almost impossible to believe if it hadn't actually happened.

Based on Saroo Brierley's memoir, A Long Way Home, Lion is more of an emotional odyssey than a plot driven drama. The film, directed by Garth Davis, lets the story unfurl naturally and gradually, experience by experience. The first half of the movie is spent in India following young Saroo: establishing his life, his relationship with his brother and surviving on the streets of Calcutta after he is lost thousands of miles from home, are absolutely extraordinary and incredibly moving. The second half of the movie, leaps 20 years forward, as Saroo struggles with the ghosts of his past and becomes obsessed and withdrawn, is slow and muted, and doesn't have the same impact as the first.

When the eventual emotional reunion finally arrives many in the audience of the showing this reviewer went were weeping openly. But for this reviewer the film's final act was a little too brisk, obvious and mechanical in stealing people's tears.

It's an incredible performance from Sunny Pawer who plays the five year old Saroo: a fun loving kid who finds himself alone and far from his family and the simple village life he knows; lost in a vast, overcrowded city where is unable to communicate and had to rely on his wits and the comfort of strangers. He's remarkably natural and heart rendering real.

Dev Patel, who plays Saroo is a young adult, is also very good as a lost young man, torn between his Indian heritage and privileged upbringing in Australia, but as in life he's overshadowed by his younger self.

The two principle leads are ably supported by strong cast, with fine performances throughout.

Technically the movie is a marvel with gorgeous cinematography and an aching score.

Despite its weaker second half, which does drag a little, Lion is a compelling retelling of this astounding and heartbreaking true story. It's told in a way, which is populist and accessible, but also profoundly touching and deeply moving. Lion may not roar but it does have a big heart.