NEW RELEASE FILM | 'Lion' Review
'Lion' tells the true story of a five year-old boy from India who is lost is the streets of Calcutta, thousands of kilometres from home. In the time leading up to his Australian adoption, he faces innumerable challenges, and against all odds, survives. Twenty-five years later, the boy sets out to find his lost family.
‘Lion’ is filled with heartbreak and cutting emotion, and is visually stunning in its cinematography. It is by far one of the best films to come out of Australia in the last few years. It's a two-hour film that distracts viewers from the surrounding cinema environment, transporting them into a whirlwind of drama, mystery, and romance.
Impressively and rather uniquely, the acting is absolutely on point. A huge special mention goes to phenomenal newcomer Sunny Pawar, who plays the five year-old Saroo. Pawar is by far one of the best aspects of this film, his innocence striking a chord in the viewer’s soul. Saroo carries the first act of the film with strength, helping to tell the gripping story ahead.
English-Indian actor Dev Patel takes the torch from Pawar, playing an older Saroo and guiding the narrative through to the end. His performance is consistent with his younger counterpart, and really connects the story between past and present. ‘Lion’ also platforms Patel’s authentic-sounding Australian accent, much to the delight of the invested audience.
The cast accurately portray their characters: Rooney Mara, Nicole Kidman, and David Wenham shine in their supporting roles, despite the limited screen time; this works for the film though, allowing for Saroo to take precedence.
What makes 'Lion' great is its simple storyline without any puff or fluff. It's a story about identity and cultural origin; its themes are thought-provoking, reminding us that we can never truly escape our cultural identity as it is deeply rooted within and in the perceptions of those around us.
Nearly half of the film is spoken in India's common language of Hindi, with some in the regional Bengali when little Saroo is lost in Calcutta; this adds incredible authenticity to the film instead of simply using the universal language of English, for the sake of sparing audiences excessive subtitles.
Despite the story taking place over a series of decades, the film does not drag. All necessary narrative components are in place: storyline, characterisation and establishment of setting. The film never leaves the audience confused.
'Lion' makes a case for diversity through its storytelling, its simplicity returning back to basics without the overproduction that so many modern films are guilty of.
It is a film that deserves accessibility to all demographics, regardless of age, gender or background.
Do bring your tissues along to this film. If you think you’re safe from tears, you’re terribly wrong.
It’s a shame that ‘Lion’ didn’t win any awards within its nominated categories, despite being highly deserving. This is a must-see film - an important and poignant cinematic masterpiece.
'Lion' is released in cinemas 19th January in Australia, and 20th January in the U.K.
