Review of The Lady (2011) by Apichai T — 25 Jan 2012

Interesting but somewhat flat biopic about Burmese pro-democracy campaigner & Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi. Focussing mostly on the period that she was separated from her husband & children during her house-arrest in Burma, the story is unfortunately told with very little flourish or enthusiasm.

You can't blame the leading actors here though. Michelle Yeoh is absolutely compelling as Suu Kyi, although even she was upstaged by David Thewlis who was sublime as her husband, Oxford College lecturer Michael Aris. Yet, despite being gifted the presence of these two outstanding actors, director Luc Besson seemed to have no idea how to get the best out of them or even the remarkable story of courage & determination shown by students and protestors campaigning for democracy in Burma.

Which is a shame because Besson certainly can't be criticised for not at least putting in a sincere effort. But someone should have told him that ensuring accuracy & authenticity in a movie doesn't automatically mean it has to be dull.

If ever there was a film that should have been made by Richard Attenborough, this was it.