Lion

I kept wondering if I really needed to see this film and I am glad I decided to see it in the end. The acting, story structure and sense of realism are the best qualities of "Lion". It is a story based on actual events that will get many people crying. I didn't know it was based on a true story until I saw the opening credits. The only flaw I can think of for this movie is that it may not be as powerful upon multiple viewings.

Sometimes, when a movie attempts to stay perfectly true to the actual story, the sense of genuine drama is lost. Some examples of this include "American Sniper" and "Deepwater Horizon" because their level of realism. We are so accustomed to fictional stories and to Hollywood taking dramatic license that we subconsciously require some level of fiction. In the case of "Lion" though, the movie feels quite accurate to the true story but at the same time has a kind of drama that is both genuine and familiar to moviegoers. I think one element that sets this show apart from others like it is the story structure. The only comparison I can make is with the story structure of "12 Years a Slave" and I like both films equally. "Lion" could have centered mostly on adult Saroo's search, as have other such films that explored this theme, but this movie instead gives equal screen time to all the major events in Saroo's life. I thought the movie was going quickly cover how he got lost and was adopted. Instead, that part of the story takes up half the movie it seems. This is important because that part of the story has a lot of drama too. If the film had spent more time on Saroo's Google Earth search, the pace of the film could have negatively affected. I like how we see more of how Saroo's search is affecting his relationships. The film's sense of realism is mainly provided thanks to the lighting and cinematography. The use of focus gave "Lion" a documentary style. The lighting assisted in establishing the mood of each scene quite well. I should also mention the use of color and how it differentiated India from Australia. The musical score was also noteworthy. The epilogue helped to wrap up the story so affectively.

"Lion" has so many familiar names but if you were to show the movie to someone without them seeing the cast list beforehand, they may only recognize Rooney Mara. Each actor was very good in his or her roles. Dev Patel looks far different than what I am used to. He has muscled up since "Slumdog Millionaire" or even "Chappie", which was released a year prior to "Lion". I didn't recognize David Wenham from "The Lord of the Rings" and it wasn't until the film transitioned to the present day that I recognized Nicole Kidman. Her 80's hairdo really disguised her.

The Weinsteins have delivered us many Oscar-worthy hits in the past and two of them won back-to-back Academy Awards for Best Picture in 2010 and 2011. "Lion" is yet another triumph of their company but it was overshadowed by other films in the end. "Lion" garnished Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Supporting Actor (Patel), Supporting Actress (Kidman), Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography and Musical Score. I really wanted Patel and the screenplay to win. In hindsight, the musical score is pretty special. Many people like "Lion" more than I do and I understand why. The movie felt realistic and quite dramatic. Its story doesn't feel cliché and the performances were impressive. You may shed a tear or two depending on your sensitivity.

3.5 Stars out of 5