Lion: More Than Just an "Oscar Movie" – It's a Journey
Okay, so you've heard of "Lion," that Oscar movie everyone was talking about a few years back. But maybe you're thinking, "Another awards bait movie? Do I really need another tearjerker in my life?" Trust me, I get it. But Lion is more than just tissues and tear-stained pillows; so if you enjoy dramas and emotional storylines, read on. It has many things we normally seek and expect from emotionally impacting movies.
Sure, it got a bunch of Oscar Nominations (and deservingly so, like the Best Picture and adapted Screenplay nomination for which many argued this should have received instead; however these nominations also had their own importance!) but that's not what truly counts, and should not deter you from this movie based solely on the basis it received these, especially after seeing and realising how often we see very clearly overrated productions winning in all sorts of nomination-based media across multiple industries. Frankly, sometimes an individual’s artistic merit surpasses the industry standard, like is seen by countless critics and audience reactions; but we should use an own separate system for appreciating movies.
This is one of those special films that’s based on actual real events; so many plot twists feel particularly meaningful precisely for its impact from the story line adaptation and realism.
What Makes "Lion" Roar? (Beyond the Oscars, Obviously)
Lion is a deeply moving true story, not an emotionally manipulative screenplay – something many productions today should learn how to differentiate! Its strength lies not just in that truth aspect but also in some rather excellent pacing. They did such an exceptional job with adaptation here too.
Sure, the Oscars buzz helps but the storyline had real substance and kept going far beyond awards season’s hype cycle. In a way the hype did give us some awareness about what kinds of topics these adaptations dealt with – a topic frequently overlooked.
And let’s not forget one other really major thing. Sure Dev Patel, gave a stunning performance (nominated as the Best Supporting Lion actor alongside Nicole Kidman). Their nomination does give weight and legitimacy, however is this really why I watch a film? To check its nominated actors and see what everyone in the industry had ranked highest and liked most out of all they created at any point in time? Do viewers even still think about such nomination events a week after having seen these released? Frankly most discussions I participate about Lion center far more about how Saru's storyline plays a huge pivotal importance in its structure and how it moves along and transforms into a movie of much larger scope. And really; few ever even mention its related Oscars discussion once we delve deeper about this movie. If I enjoyed Dev’s performance it's for a very specific individual reason rather than some rating system, after all. And how good this becomes is only a starting point.
Why You Should Actually Watch "Lion"
Beyond all that critical praise – the film succeeds. Sure you might cry, which makes for many hilarious commentary shared by everyone; including scenes we all found ourselves in when Saru kept appearing! This has provided more than a few jokes within online communities related to how well, yet how overly often a character such as Saru is displayed onscreen. Jokes aside – Lion succeeds even though critics’ reviews give a better representation.
- The emotional impact: Seriously, this story will resonate deep inside your soul – without being too “Hollywood emotional.”
- Stellar acting: Sunny Pawar and Dev Patel both gave powerful performances. Especially those scenes showing and illustrating childhood memories – how did Dev do it with that precision?
- Cinematography and direction: Some visual elements give the storyline additional scope! The story would remain fantastic, either way but what makes the film particularly remarkable is due to its cinematography!
Lion reminds us that our connection, hope, and identity shape who we become, but it does so by telling an impactful and inspiring storyline. Go grab those tissues (you’ll need them), open your heart (it gets quite warm throughout!), and watch the movie. Then join us as we chat all night in countless comment sections about why we needed these and why we would like other studios to be brave enough to try tackling similar sensitive storylines more frequently.