Lion is a Based on the actual tale of Saroo Brierley, a five-year-old Indian child who gets lost from his family and sets out on a heartbreaking quest to find his way back home, this film is strong and emotionally charged. Based on Saroo Brierley’s autobiography, A Long Way Home, and directed by Garth Davis, the movie tells the story of Saroo’s extraordinary journey from the slums of Calcutta to his final search to reconcile with his biological family 25 years later. Lion narrates the tale of extraordinary survival and the unshakable links of love through themes of family, identity, and tenacity.
A Journey of Survival
Sunny Pawar’s character, young Saroo, lives in rural India with his mother, brother, and sister at the start of the movie. One day, while visiting Calcutta (now Kolkata), Saroo goes with his elder brother Guddu. Saroo nods off on a motionless train after Guddu abandons him at the station. He doesn’t realize that the train is leaving and taking him away from his family and house.
Disoriented and scared, Saroo awakens in a busy, foreign city. The terrifying reality of a small child missing in a large city is shown in the movie. The streets of Calcutta provide Saroo with many perils and hardships on his voyage. He strives to keep safe in a world distant from the safety of his home, suffers hunger and tiredness, and gets by in the city with the assistance of strangers.
After being brought to an orphanage, Saroo is eventually adopted by John (David Wenham) and Sue Brierley (Nicole Kidman), an Australian couple. In Tasmania, the couple gives Saroo a caring home and a fresh start. Saroo never forgets his background or his Indian family, even though he is raised in a loving and caring atmosphere.
The Search for Home
Twenty-five years later, Saroo (played by Dev Patel) is now a successful young man living in Australia. Despite his achievements and the life he has built, he is haunted by memories of his past and the longing to find his birth family. Saroo’s quest begins when he sees a Google Earth image that sparks his desire to search for his lost family.
Saroo’s journey is both physical and emotional. He uses advanced technology, including Google Earth, to retrace the route he took as a child and to search for landmarks that could lead him back to his birthplace. His search is both painstaking and emotional, as he grapples with the challenges of finding a family he barely remembers in a vast and complex country.
The film delves into Saroo’s emotional struggle as he contends with feelings of guilt, longing, and hope. His determination to find his family and the support he receives from his adoptive parents underscore the powerful theme of identity and belonging. Saroo’s quest is driven by a deep sense of love and a desire to reconnect with his roots.
Themes of Family and Identity
The Power of Family
At its core, Lion is a testament to the power of family and the unbreakable bonds that connect people across distances and time. The film highlights Saroo’s deep love for his biological family and his gratitude for the adoptive family that gave him a second chance. It explores how family shapes one’s identity and provides a sense of belonging, whether through blood or through the bonds of love and care.
Identity and Belonging
Saroo’s journey is also a profound exploration of identity and belonging. The film captures his internal conflict between the life he has in Australia and the memories of his past in India. His search for his biological family is not just about physical reunion but also about understanding his identity and finding his place in the world.
The Impact of Technology
The use of technology in Saroo’s search for his family is a central theme in the film. Google Earth becomes a powerful tool that bridges the gap between his past and present. The film underscores how technology can be a force for positive change, helping individuals connect with their roots and achieve extraordinary feats.
Performances and Direction
The performances in Lion are deeply affecting, with both Sunny Pawar and Dev Patel delivering powerful portrayals of Saroo at different stages of his life. Sunny Pawar’s depiction of young Saroo captures the innocence and vulnerability of a child lost in an unfamiliar world, while Dev Patel’s performance as the adult Saroo conveys the emotional depth and complexity of his search for identity and family.
Nicole Kidman and David Wenham provide strong support as Saroo’s adoptive parents, bringing warmth and depth to their roles. Garth Davis’s direction effectively balances the emotional and dramatic elements of the story, creating a film that is both moving and inspiring.
Conclusion
Lion is a deeply moving film that tells the remarkable true story of Saroo Brierley’s journey from being lost on the streets of Calcutta to finding his way back to his roots. Through themes of family, identity, and perseverance, the film offers a powerful and inspiring narrative that resonates with audiences. The strong performances, heartfelt storytelling, and the use of technology in Saroo’s search make Lion a compelling and emotionally resonant film. It is a testament to the enduring bonds of family and the incredible resilience of the human spirit.
