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Lion

Play trailer 2:21 Poster for Lion PG-13 Released Dec 21, 2016 2h 1m Drama Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
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84% Tomatometer 268 Reviews 91% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
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.
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Lion

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Critics Consensus

Lion's undeniably uplifting story and talented cast make it a moving journey that transcends the typical cliches of its genre.

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Critics Reviews

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Christy Lemire What the Flick?! The beginning is harrowing and the end is heartbreaking. Rated: 7.8/10 Jun 6, 2018 Full Review Alonso Duralde What the Flick?! I don't think I've ever seen a movie that's this much about the experience of adoption and the relation between adoptive parents and adopted children...it's a rich subject that we don't see much in film. Rated: 6.5/10 Jun 6, 2018 Full Review Candice Frederick Reel Talk Online Despite its wavering focus from its fascinating lead to his white supporting actors, this is an inspiring story about one young man's search for identity Rated: 1-5 stars Apr 1, 2017 Full Review JD Duran InSession Film Lion is a film that will rip your heart out, but in all the best ways possible. Rated: A- Aug 20, 2024 Full Review Denise Pieniazek A Sala Llena (Argentina) The story of the film begins in 1986, and some time later, after several events, an indian boy is adopted by an Australian couple. From here it is inevitable not to establish a point of contact with the 2005 film "Va, vis et deviens". Rated: 6/10 Jan 14, 2024 Full Review Ian Kane Epoch Times “Lion” is an uplifting real-life story about a young man’s search for his identity. It features gorgeous cinematography, touching performances, and an emotionally satisfying (and most likely tearful) climax that never feels manipulative, nor overwrought. Rated: 4.5/5 Jul 22, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Assa F This was such a heart wrenching story. It is about survival of a child with the determination to find his brother and his way home. It shows how tough life can be on the streets in India, but with the will to survive one can survive even at such a tender age. It also entails adoption and the unconditional love of his adoptive parents. All of the years that he spent in Australia did not take away his longing for his family in India. With his strong will, determination, and google earth he achieved what he longed to do. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/25/24 Full Review Ngenzi B This movie is everything you would expect in a movie with great actors like Dev patel Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/22/24 Full Review Ewan D This movie is actually sad and beautiful at the same time. That's what's great about it, the contrast between the beginning and the end. Dev Patel is a good actor he was originally in Skins series 2, the younger version of himself in this movie is good too. This movie hit different, I can't think of another time when a movie has done this. In the movie there is a scene that highlights the reality of how unsafe it can be in parts of India for small children, trust me you need to watch this movie. The ending is happy so I hope that isn't a spoiler but it makes you feel at peace that the main character got a happy ending with the sadness and loss he experienced in early childhood. There is so much more I want to say about the ending but it will spoil the movie, it is based on a true story that will enlighten you. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/17/24 Full Review Audience Member weird story but all good in the end anyways subscribe to my yt channel Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 07/17/24 Full Review susan m Acting is superb, story, first half, is inspiring, then grim, and shocking in parts...results of overpopulation illustrated .. second part slower but satisfying, Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/13/24 Full Review Ms M A Overall, the film was emotional, heartwarming and interesting. Some parts were hard to watch as they dragged on a bit. The performances were good especially the boy who played young Saroo. Tim says, "the adult Saroo was hot." The shots of the landscapes in India and Australia were great. It taught us a lesson in resilience and 'not getting on trains.' It gives us a better understanding of how hard it is for people in other countries. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 06/12/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Lion

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis 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.
Director
Garth Davis
Producer
Emile Sherman, Iain Canning, Angie Fielder
Screenwriter
Luke Davies
Distributor
Weinstein Co.
Production Co
See-Saw Films, Sunstar Entertainment, Aquarius Films
Rating
PG-13 (Thematic Material|Some Sensuality)
Genre
Drama, Biography
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 21, 2016, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 1, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA)
$51.7M
Runtime
2h 1m
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