Lion (2016)
A Long Way Home
Raiting: 
8,1 /10
Genre: Drama
Director: Garth Davis
Stars: Dev Patel, Sunny Pawar and Nicole Kidman
Country: Australia / United Kingdom
Release date: 24 November 2016
Length: 118 minutes
"Lion", directed by Garth Davis and released in 2016, is a heart-wrenching biographical film based on the non-fiction book "A Long Way Home" by Saroo Brierley. The film chronicles the incredible journey of a young Indian boy's separation from his family and his quest to find them again as an adult.
The story begins in India, where five-year-old Saroo (played by Sunny Pawar) lives in a small village with his mother, younger sister, and elder brother Guddu. One night, Saroo insists on joining Guddu to do some night work at a train station. However, Saroo falls asleep on a stationary train and wakes up to find himself traveling across the country, away from his home. After several days, the train arrives in faraway Kolkata (Calcutta), where Saroo does not speak the local language and has no way of returning home.
Alone and vulnerable, Saroo faces the dangers of living on the streets before being taken to an orphanage. Eventually, he is adopted by an Australian couple, John and Sue Brierley (played by David Wenham and Nicole Kidman), and grows up in a loving home in Tasmania. Despite his comfortable new life, Saroo is haunted by memories of his lost family.
As an adult, Saroo (now played by Dev Patel) becomes determined to find his birth mother and siblings. With the help of Google Earth and the scant memories of his hometown and train station, he embarks on an almost impossible search to locate his family. The quest is filled with emotional turmoil as Saroo struggles with guilt, the fear of betraying his adoptive parents, and the overwhelming odds against success.
The film culminates in Saroo's emotional reunion with his biological mother and the revelation of his brother's fate, bringing closure to the long-held pain and uncertainty. "Lion" is a profound tale of identity, family, and the indomitable human spirit. It showcases the power of technology as a tool for connection and the universal desire to know one's roots.
"Lion" received widespread acclaim for its storytelling, direction, and performances, particularly those of Sunny Pawar and Dev Patel. The film's beautiful cinematography captures the vibrant chaos of India and the stark beauty of Tasmania, while its narrative speaks to the love and resilience that binds families together, regardless of the distance that may separate them.
Top cast - Lion (2016)
Trailer - Lion (2016)
"Lion", directed by Garth Davis and based on the true story of Saroo Brierley, is a profoundly moving film that captures the essence of human connection and the unyielding bonds of family. The narrative is split into two halves, the first focusing on young Saroo's (Sunny Pawar) life in India and his accidental separation from his family, and the second on adult Saroo's (Dev Patel) quest to rediscover his origins. This structure allows viewers to fully engage with the character's profound journey both as a lost child and as a man in search of his identity.
The film opens with a lush portrayal of India through the eyes of a child, with vibrant colors and a sense of wonder. Sunny Pawar delivers a performance that is nothing short of miraculous, bringing a depth of emotion that is captivating and heartbreaking. The scenes of his ordeal are portrayed with sensitivity and realism, avoiding sensationalism while depicting the harsh realities faced by lost children.
Transitioning to the second half, Dev Patel takes over as the adult Saroo, providing a nuanced performance that conveys the internal struggle of a young man caught between two worlds. Nicole Kidman and David Wenham, as Saroo's adoptive parents, deliver powerful performances that explore the complexities of adoption and the love that binds this non-traditional family together. The film's portrayal of adoption is particularly commendable, as it avoids clichés and presents a multi-faceted view of the experience.
The cinematography in "Lion" is stunning, with sweeping shots that capture the beauty and scale of the landscapes. The score by Dustin O'Halloran and Hauschka is both haunting and uplifting, amplifying the emotional impact of the narrative. The direction by Garth Davis is assured and thoughtful, with a careful balance of dramatic tension and emotional resonance.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of "Lion" is its emotional authenticity. The film doesn't shy away from the pain of Saroo's experiences, yet it is ultimately a testament to hope and perseverance. It is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflections on identity, home, and what it means to belong somewhere.
In summary, "Lion" is a beautifully crafted film that tells a remarkable true story with grace and compassion. It is a cinematic journey that is both harrowing and uplifting, with performances that resonate with genuine emotion. This film is a celebration of the human spirit's capacity to overcome insurmountable odds, and it reminds us of the invisible threads that connect us all. "Lion" is not just a good movie; it's an important one, highlighting issues of lost children and the importance of family, both given and chosen.