Lion does away with cliché for an arresting tear-jerker that will stay with you for a long time
Sun film critic expected a schmaltz-fest, but found Lion 'powerful and moving'
AS the Oscar conveyor belt rumbles along like an overly sincere version of the Generation Game, we come to Lion, which should be a schmaltz-fest.
It’s the true story of five-year-old Saroo getting lost on a train and eventually ending up thousands of miles away in his adopted Australian home.
A nugget of information 25 years later is enough to convince him to begin a search for his family.
While it’s certainly a monster of a tear-jerker, it’s also an absolute joyous crowd-pleaser that manages to avoid being a cliché and instead completely lifts your spirits. Saroo is played by two actors.
Adult Saroo is brought to life by Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire) and he does a bloody fine job of it. He’s grown from the gangly, awkward teenager into an assured, sparse and brilliant actor.
He plays a man completely broken and without an identity yet full of trepidation for the unknown. But, while not wanting to upset his adoptive parents, he knows he simply cannot stop wondering who he really is. Patel has all this etched on his face in every scene.
However, if you’ve seen the pictures from the recent Golden Globes, you’ll know the real star of this film is eight-year-old Sunny Pawar, an absolute revelation as the young Saroo.
He acts the absolute hell out of this — with the biggest widest eyes on the cutest face you’ve ever seen on a human. Showing the abject terror at fleeing predators, paedophiles and child slavery rackets, it’s a heart-breaking and riveting performance that will stay with you.
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Imaginary caps should be doffed to director Garth Davis as well. With his use of the Indian landscape and culture, whether it be a cloud of butterflies in a dusty valley or a chaotic train station, you feel in the thick of it, with Saroo, at every step.
Another notable performance is Nicole Kidman as Saroo’s adoptive mum who, during a four-minute monologue, manages to summarise not only a parent’s love for their children but also why adoptive parents are worth their weight in gold.
Aside from the world’s first recorded successful use of Google Earth, seeing Saroo retracing his steps 25 years later is incredibly powerful and moving.
Your heart is made of Satan’s teeth if you don’t come away with dusty eyes and a warm feeling.
The film also underlines the thousands upon thousands of Indian children living in poverty.
The producers highlight many of the great causes looking to help, including Magic Bus. Saroo is a rare case — someone given a second chance.
Many are not so lucky.
★★★★★