Film Review: Lion

Lion is based on a true story adapted from Saroo Brierley’s autobiography A Long Way Home. The film takes you on Saroo’s journey as a lost and vulnerable five-year-old child (Sunny Pawar), who falls asleep on a train and is taken thousands of kilometers from home. He is left to fend for himself on the streets of Culcatta, India. Saroo, is eventually adopted by a couple (Nicole Kidman and David Wenham) who bring him to live in Australia. The story cuts to Saroo as a young adult (Dev Patel) who is haunted by the need to find his family. He searches his memory for clues of his childhood, and takes to “google earth” in attempt to find his family and home.

There are so many reasons to watch Lion. The first half of the film is captivating, it is heart-wrenching, harrowing and it had me wanting to reach into the screen and protect this innocent little boy. This feeling was only relieved by the child’s strength, resourcefulness and his luck.

The emotional-intensity of the film is only mildly tempered as the film cuts to the older Saroo whose determination, and obsession, inspires some hope. This short relief is needed as the film cuts back to the young boy. If you like to emotionally engage in a film, then you should watch Lion.

For me the genius behind the film is in the screenwriting, directoring and cinematography. If you value these things in your films, you should see this film and study it. There is little wonder why Lion was awarded two BAFTAs, six Oscar nominations, and a litany of other nominations and awards.

I give it five stars.

• Genre: Drama
• Director: Garth Davies
• Screenplay: Luke Davies
• Cinematographer: Greig Fraser
• Out now on DVD, Netlix and Foxtel