The film stars Dev Patel, Rooney Mara, David Wenham, and Nicole Kidman, with supporting roles from Abhishek Bharate, Priyanka Bose, and Sunny Pawar. Lion premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2016 and was released in Australia and New Zealand in December of that year. It was then released in the United States and the United Kingdom in January 2017.
The film follows the incredible true story of Saroo Brierley, who as a five-year-old boy became separated from his family in a rural Indian village marvel–cinematic–universe–films-2″ title=”List of Marvel Cinematic Universe films”>after boarding a train to Kolkata to scavenge for food. After surviving alone in the city for several weeks, Saroo was eventually taken in by an orphanage and adopted by an Australian couple, John and Sue Brierley. Despite his loving home in Australia, Saroo never forgets his childhood memories and becomes increasingly obsessed with finding his way back to his birthplace and reuniting with his birth mother and siblings.
The film is divided into two parts: the first half focuses on Saroo’s childhood and his separation from his family, while the second half follows his search for his birth mother using Google Earth. The latter half of the film is particularly emotional and moving, as Saroo finally uncovers the location of his village and is able to meet his birth mother and sister again.
Dev Patel delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Saroo, perfectly capturing the character’s determination, vulnerability, and emotional turmoil. Rooney Mara is also excellent as Saroo’s supportive girlfriend, while Nicole Kidman provides a standout turn as Sue Brierley, Saroo’s adoptive mother, who is haunted by her own history of trauma and loss.
Director Garth Davis does an excellent job of balancing the emotional intensity of the story with moments of levity and warmth. The film is visually stunning, particularly in its depiction of the Indian landscapes and cities in stark contrast to the Australian scenery.
Overall, Lion is a deeply affecting and thought-provoking film that tackles universal themes of family, identity, and belonging. It is an inspiring testament to the power of love and persistence, as well as a stunning showcase for its talented cast and filmmakers.
Lion received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, earning six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Patel, and Best Supporting Actress for Kidman. The film was also a box office success, grossing over $140 million worldwide on a budget of $12 million.
In conclusion, Lion is a must-watch film that will leave you feeling moved, inspired, and grateful for the relationships and connections in your own life. Its themes and messages speak to the heart of what it means to be human, and its storytelling is both compelling and beautifully crafted. If you haven’t seen it yet, make sure to add it to your must-watch list.