2017 Oscar Special movie review: Lion

Lionis a drama starring Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman. Garth Davis makes hisdebutdirecting a feature film. Lionreceived six Oscar nominations for the 2017 Academy Awards .

Storyline: (3/5)
Lion is based on Saroo Brierley’s autobiography, A long Way Home, the 26-year-long journey of a boy who lost his way back home as a mere five year old kid. The story gives you goose bumps, takes you through an emotional journey and culminates ina myriadof difficult to articulate feelings.

The movie has rightly been nominated in the Best Adapted Screenplay category.

Direction: (4/5)
Looking at directorial excellence exhibited in this film, It is hard to believe that Garth Davis never directed a feature before. From bringing out the emotions of a child to anxiety of an adult in search of his past, every element catches the eye.

Whenever a non-Indian director depicts India, he brings out the view from the eyes of a foreigner. Somehow, that view is so close to the reality that the audience ispulled into the film as a part of it. Garth Davis’ Liondoes it all over again.

Acting: (5/5)
Dev Patel as a tech savvy youth recalls the series The Newsroom, but his acting is far more mature, substantial and gripping. Nicole Kidman as Sue Brierley totally didjustice to the role of a mother of adopted kids.

Sunny Pawar is the young star to watch for. The innocence of childhood,the street smartnessof a five-year-old, and the pain of separation are all so well portrayed by this prodigy.

Entertainment: (5/5)
As an emotional drama that brings out tears, sympathy, excitement and joy, this movie is a high on entertainment quotient.

Overall Rating: (4.5/5)
Lion deserves to be seen in atheatre or on a 52 inch plasma TV. Be prepared with a box of tissues if overwhelming emotions turn you dewy-eyed and watch out for this one during the Oscars.

(WION)