Sunny Pawar and Dev Patel star as Saroo, the young and older version, in the new film “Lion,” based on the book “A Long Way Home” by Saroo Brierley. This true story depicts a young Indian boy, separated from his family by
thousands of miles. Now in Calcutta and not speaking the language, Saroo has no way to locate them. His street smarts enable him to survive and eventually be adopted by a loving Australian family. His quest, as a young adult, is to find his biological family. This is an emotionally raw, gritty, and beautiful demonstration of the need for family and identity that will surely capture Oscar’s attention early in 2017.
Saroo (Pawar) is a ragamuffin, living in an extremely remote and poverty stricken area of India. His mother picks up rocks for a living. The family relies on the older brother, Guddu (Abhishek Bharate), and Saroo to steal coal from
moving trains to trade for the bare necessities of food. It’s dangerous, but Saroo idolizes his older brother who teaches (and tolerates) his little sidekick. Although the children must fend for themselves much of the time, the love among the family is unmistakable. As Saroo tags along with Guddu for a night job, the two are separated and Saroo is stuck on a train for days, traveling to a distant and foreign part of India. Saroo fends off would-be human traffickers, thieves, and finally lands in a place of relative safety. But his journey isn’t over.
Now a young man, Saroo feels a sense of loss of identity. It isn’t until he is in college, discussing his background, that he realizes his desparate need to belong and know his roots. With the advent of Google Earth and some bright friends, Saroo begins his journey of identity. This all-consuming task has its consequences, not only on Saroo, but his adoptive family as well.
The story strikes every emotional chord possible. As a mother and someone who has been adopted, this film resonates with me on the same level as “Philomena.” As a viewer, you are pulled into this story as the young Saroo captures your heart with his sweet little voice and mischievous yet angelic big, brown eyes. Watching this little guy not only survive, but fend off people with ill will, is a gut-wrenching experience. Knowing that this is based on a true story, brings an even deeper level of care and love for this young boy whose intelligence brings him success. Never have I watched a film whe
re the younger version of a character was equally skilled as the adult version. Pawar, somehow in his young mind, understood the character perfectly and gave us an impassioned and simply outstanding portrayal of a lost child with the tenacity to live.
Patel seamlessly takes over the part of Saroo as the adopted son of Sue and John Brierley (Nicole Kidman and David Wenham). Patel creates a witty, charming, and bright Saroo, exactly what we would have predicted, under the care and love of this Australian couple. The subtleties needed to believably portray
a young man struggling with his love of his adoptive parents and his need to know is simply extraordinary. Within this second half of the film, it is actually Kidman’s small, but exceptionally evocative scene that brings the film to an even higher level as she explains her decisions about adopting not only Saroo, but his “brother” as well. Perhaps there is a part of Kidman in this scene that makes this such an emotionally eloquent conversation, but whatever it is, it is a lasting impression that you will never forget. The only weak spot to this film is Rooney Mara’s role as Saroo’s girlfriend, Lucy. Her character seems unnecessary and adds nothing to the plot or interest of the story. However, this small hiccup in the film doesn’t take away from the power of the story.
“Lion” is an exceptional screenplay adapted from the book “A Long Way Home” by Saroo Brierley. Extraordinary performances, particularly from young Pawar and Kidman create a memorable and emotional story of family, identity, and the need we all have to not only be loved, but to belong. Be sure to stick around for the credits as you will see actual footage from Saroo’s life—not to be missed!
4/4 Stars
10/10 Reels