Lion is based on Saroo Brierly's book "A Long Way Home," which chronicles his search for his biological mother from whom he was separated under strange and devastating circumstances when he was five years old. This film has been on my to-do list since I first noticed it a couple of months ago. And it turned out this movie is the best tear jerker movie of this year for me.
The story tells about 5-year-old, vulnerable Indian boy Saroo who gets lost on a train and travels thousands of miles across India away from his dear family. Saroo faces many hardships of life all by himself. Eventually he is taken in and adopted by a caring Australian couple. Years later Saroo feels a part of himself missing and is filled with murky memories of his past as a young child in India. Using Google Earth, Saroo is determined and passionate to find his lost family through the use of this tool.
The rest of the performances are really good as well. Dev Patel has already proved himself to be a great actor and he brings his A game in Lion. Adopting a convincing Australian accent and the fact that he is really only in about half of the movie would make a lot of lesser actors turn the role down. He owned this role and while he probably will get passed up for awards this is a great addition to the filmography. Most of the rest of the characters are in decidedly supporting roles, but Nicole Kidman and Rooney Mara both come pretty strong while not trying to take the movie over.
The film runs 120 minutes and I have many favorite scenes, but what touched me most is watching the passion that drives Saroo to find his family. Although he faces many hardships and issues, his love and passion for his family drives him to not quit but overcome every obstacle. Seeing his dedication to be reunited with his roots is inspiring.
This film touches all emotions, is masterfully put together, and is highly recommended. I look forward to watching it again.
8/10 - IMDb
86% - Rotten Tomatoes
69% -Meta critics
8.5/10 - VERDICT
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