What does it mean to be a parent? Is it possible to forget our own origins, our own blood ties? This is Garth Davis' first feature Film. Dev Patel, Rooney Mara and Nicole Kidman, David Wenham star in this heartbreaking story. The movie is based on the true story The Long Way Home written by Saroo Brierley. It's not a perfect movie, but it has plenty of great moments.
"Lion" Story
"Lion" is the story of two brothers, Guddu and Saroo. The younger gets lost on a railway station and ends up on a train that stops inCalcutta. After a series of unfortunate encounters, Saroo is finally adopted by an Australian family.
Years later, Saroo is going to college, he has a girlfriend but he can't stop thinking about his beloved brother, about his Indian mother. He will try to find them with Google Earth.
Blood Ties vs Family Ties
"Lion" explores this dual love that Saroo feels towards his Australian mother and his Indian mother. But it's mainly a story of two brothers and how strong this sense of brotherhood can be. Saroo keeps thinking, imagining and missing Guddu.Davis depicts sharply this everlasting bond, this connection that is still strong after 25 years. What I really loved about the movieare the powerful perfomances delivered by the cast. "Slumdog Millionaire"'s Dev Patel is incredibly touching. He is able to portray effectively Saroo's pain and suffering.
As usual, Nicole Kidman and Rooney Mara are impressive.
"Lion" Trailer
Unfortunately, the movie tends to exaggerate in this depiction of sufference and could likely be defined as an kind-of Oscar bating movie. I tried to focus on the bright spots of "Lion" and its this complex story. Just the first part and the ending are worth the ticket: two incredibly powerful cinematic moments that are guaranteed to make you cry your eyes out and it all feels genuine and real.
"Lion" is not the perfect movie, but it's an emotional roller coaster that you don't want to miss.
"Nocturnal Animals" will be my follow-up review, have a look at my previous analysis of "Moonlight", "Arrival", "A United Kingdom", "Manchester By the Sea" and "La La Land". Below you can findthe "Lion" Trailer:
