Review of The Lady (2011) by Elizabeth — 04 Mar 2013

In 2006 French director Luc Besson announced his retirement and vowed that 'Arthur and the Invisibles' was his final film... and then he made Arthur 2... and then Arthur 3... and well, I guess he just got the bug and thought "to hell with retirement!!!".

If anything, his readiness to ditch retirement emphasises his passion for film making and strengthens his resolve. His most recent film is The Lady, a biopic about Aung San Suu Kyi who has spent the past few decades fighting for democracy in Burma.

Her story is familiar to most who pay attention to foreign affairs and the film gives an accurate and poignant look into her own personal fight. It's an impressive film and Michelle Yeo is rock solid in the lead role.

Just as impressive is David Thewlis who played her long suffering husband who is her absolute bedrock. It's a stellar performance from him. This is not a film that Besson pursued and the script was brought to him.

Upon reading it he signed on immediately and took on the project as though his own child. Production notes state that he secretly toured Burma in disguise so that everything depicted in the film was accurately done.

I have read that his film is very factual and precise and that people close to Aung San Suu Kyi have praised it. She is a remarkable woman and the story of Burma is astonishing. Her fight continues to this day, albeit she is a free woman.

.. nevertheless a sound democracy for Burma is one that demands time. An excellent film.