Day 21 Lion
[2016]
Screenplay Luke Davies
Based
on ‘A Long Way Home’ by Saroo Brierley & Larry Butrose
Director Garth Davis
Cinematography Greig Fraser
Music Hauschka &
Dustin O’Halloran
Leads Sunny Pawar, Dev Patel, Rooney Mara,
David Wenham, Nicole Kidman, Divian Ladwa
Production The Weinstein Company,
Screen Australia, See-Saw Films, Aquarius Films, Sunstar Entertainment, Cross
City
IMDb 8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes 85%
Tears.
I am not afraid to express my emotions, so I cry in a lot of films. Actually
more because of happy moments than sad ones. This film has both ends of the
spectrum. It was extra for me as I didn’t realise until the end credits that
this film is based on the true story of Saroo Brierley and his journey to find
his real family. What a story. In terms of the film I actually didn’t like it
that much. The first half for me, with the wonderful Sunny Pawar as Saroo, was
better than the older Saroo (Dev Patel). Patel has matured well as an actor and
it seems a long time ago I was watching him in Skins, which he was great
in. India is such a beautiful, interesting country and I’m surprised Hollywood
doesn’t go there more often. Best Exotic, Darjeeling Limited, Slumdog
Millionaire and Life of Pi to name a few great films set there. In
this one they could have done more with the cinematography I thought, as I’m
sure there was no lack of interesting shots in such a vibrant country. In fact,
the shots of Tasmania were better than India, perhaps something to do with the
hustle and bustle of a developing country, compared to the peaceful, empty
Tasmania? Who knows. You’ll laugh and cry, definitely value for money.
Acting 3 / 4
Writing 2.5 / 4
Cinematography 2.5 / 4
Music 3 / 4
HWF rating 3 / 4