Lion (2016) Review in 2025
Lion is a heart-wrenching drama about a young boy who gets lost in India and is adopted by an Australian family. The film explores themes of identity, family, and belonging.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for mature family members, but parental discretion is advised due to some intense and emotional scenes.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys drama, biographical films, or stories about identity and family. It's a powerful and emotional film that will leave you feeling invested and inspired.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie follows Saroo, a 5-year-old boy who gets separated from his family in a train station in India. He is adopted by a kind Australian couple, Sue and John Brierley, but struggles to cope with the loss of his birth family and find his true identity. As Saroo grows up, he becomes determined to find his biological family, and embarks on a journey that takes him back to India and reunites him with his mother, Kamla.
Review Details
story9.50/10
The story is engaging, emotional, and authentic, with a strong narrative that explores themes of identity, family, and belonging. The film's pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of intense and emotional scenes that keep the audience invested.
acting9.50/10
The acting is superb, with Dev Patel delivering a standout performance as Saroo. The supporting cast, including Nicole Kidman and David Wenham, are also excellent, with nuanced and emotional performances that add depth to the story.
characters9.00/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Saroo being a standout character. The performances by the cast are excellent, with Dev Patel delivering a nuanced and emotional portrayal of Saroo. The supporting characters, including Sue and John, are also well-acted and add depth to the story.
direction9.00/10
The direction by Garth Davis is superb, with a clear vision and a strong sense of storytelling. The film's cinematography is stunning, with beautiful shots of India and Australia that add to the emotional impact of the story.
cinematography9.50/10
The cinematography is breathtaking, with stunning shots of India and Australia that showcase the beauty of these countries. The film's use of color and lighting is also noteworthy, with a palette that is both vibrant and muted, depending on the scene.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's authentic storytelling, stunning cinematography, and excellent performances make it a standout film. The themes of identity, family, and belonging are timely and thought-provoking, and the film's emotional impact is undeniable.
Cons
Some scenes may be too intense or emotional for younger viewers, and the pacing can be a bit slow at times.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a lion, I'm a human being."
"I'm not a son, I'm a father."
"I'm not a stranger in this city, I'm a stranger in my own life."
