“If you have ever been a child, raised a child, lost a child or met a child — or any of the above with respect to a mother — this movie will wreck you”.
-A.O. Scott
The NY Times movie review of Lion
I have always been a huge fan of movies with any of the following: Nicole Kidman, Dev Patel, resourceful kids, and journeys both literal and allegorical. So going to see Lion (which happens to include all of those elements) on a rainy Saturday afternoon was a no-brainer for me. Throw in a wonderfully acted and edited story about adoption and reunification, and who we grow up to be, and this made Lion the perfect movie for our family.
The Plot:
“Five year old Saroo gets lost on a train which takes him thousands of miles across India, away from home and family. Saroo must learn to survive alone in Kolkata, before ultimately being adopted by an Australian couple. Twenty five years later, armed with only a handful of memories, his unwavering determination, and a revolutionary technology known as Google Earth, he sets out to find his lost family and finally return to his first home.”
Some observations:
- The support Saroo’s family gives him as he searches for his birth mom is amazing (big thanks to our folks for that same unwavering support).
- Real connections don’t go away over time and distance.
- Memories from your childhood can shape you immensely as an adult.
- Saroo could have used some Two Brothers Jerky on his journey to Kolkata J
- Be prepared to shed some tears!
And… make sure you go see this wonderful film!