Director: Garth Davis
Writer: Luke Davies (based off novel by Saroo Brierley)
Starring: Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman and Rooney Mara
‘Inspiring True Story’
When it comes to the most inspiring individuals in the world, Saroo Brierley is definitely one of them. While growing up in India, Brierley had to overcome many obstacles. At a young age, he was separated from his family in a horrific way. Forced to live on the streets, he had to use his gut and instincts to survive. Yet, he never gave up hope that one day he would find his way home and reunite with his family.
“Lion” is a gripping film that brings to life Saroo’s extraordinary story of survival. A heartfelt, deeply moving story, it is one of the most inspiring films of the year. Director Garth Davis has crafted a beautiful film that boasts powerful performances, gorgeous imagery and a profound message. Most films that are based on true stories are often cliched and predictable, but that is definitely not the case with “Lion”. Although you know where the story is headed, it is an uplifting film that is worth seeing for it’s inspirational message.
Based on the novel “A Long Way Home”, “Lion” tells the heartbreaking true story of Saroo Brierley. As a five-year-old boy, Saroo is separated from his biological mother and brother in a tragic way. He survives many life-threatening situations until he is adopted by an Australian couple. 25 years later, he embarks on a journey to find his long-lost family.
It is not easy to adapt a true story to the big-screen, but director Garth Davis has pulled it off. With the help of a talented cast and a sharp screenplay, he has crafted a powerful film that does justice to Saroo Brierley’s story. Perhaps, the most unique aspect of the film is its structure. Unlike most films that are based on true stories, “Lion” is split into two halves. The first half tells the story of a young boy lost in the city of India. The second half takes place 25 years later, focusing on a grownup man and his journey home. Although this is a risky approach to telling a story, it works tremendously well and keeps the film engaging.
It is mainly due to the terrific performances from a talented cast. Every actor in the cast delivers performances that deserve praise and recognition. The two leads who play the young and older Saroo are particularly award-worthy.
As the young Saroo, Sunny Pawar is absolutely astonishing and carries the first half of the film. Although this is only his first role in a film, he shows that he has a natural ability to act. Through emotional expressions, Pawar communicates the fear, sadness and hope felt by a homeless child without a family. It’s a powerful performance that proves that Pawar is a star in the making and definitely a talent to watch out for in the future.
Dev Patel, who plays the older Saroo, delivers one of the best performances of his career. Charismatic, intense and fully committed, he captures the conflict of a man who is desperate to find his family. It’s a heartfelt performance that shows that Patel has come a long way since his breakout role in “Slumdog Millionaire” nearly a decade ago.
The last, most unforgettable standout in the cast is Nicole Kidman. In the role of the adoptive mother, she is heartbreaking. It is a deeply moving performance from one of the finest actresses working in Hollywood today.
Due to these powerful performances, the first hour of “Lion” extremely captivating. However, once the story shifts forward 25 years, the film slows to a halt. Although the acting remains terrific and keeps you invested, the second half of the film is less engaging. For instance, Saroo’s search for his family on Google Earth goes on for far too long. As a result, the film drags towards the end.
Despite its weaker second half, “Lion” is an uplifting film that is worth watching for its powerful message. It is rare to come across a true story these days, let alone one that is well told. This film manages to tell Saroo Brierley’s story beautifully and is a must-see for that reason alone. Inspirational stories like this one don’t come along often, but when they do they deserve to be seen and celebrated.
A lovely tribute towards an Indian orphan with courage of a lion, it’s a roaring reminder that powerful stories of real-life individuals overcoming adversity of orphanages to reunite with long-lost parents are worthy of celebration.
4.5/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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