On Saturday morning, I woke up, grabbed breakfast with my aunt as we headed straight to the movies to catch the most recent film "Lion." Before I was even aware of this film, I had met the incredible new star Sunny Pawer at my internship with CBS. Inside Edition took him for a mini tour around New York City and for his first time, the Empire State Building. After being around Sunny and observing his pure, fresh eight-year-old personality I knew this was a film I would regret not watching. For an eight-year-old to be so full of life with such a high-demanding role, I was truly inspired.
I am so glad to have watched this tear-jerker! Lion has won four Golden Globes and is nominated for six Academy Awards. Director, Garth Davis, steered this film in a way I would have never imagined it leading up to. Based on a true story about Saroo Brierley - who went out for work in India with his brother, Guddo. He ends up sleeping on a train for several days realizing he is a far way from home.
Saroo learns to survive on his own from searching for a place to sleep, eat, and find a way back home to his Ama(mom). As an audience member, you can only be captivated by the events that this little boy overcomes with such a great deal of strength. Saroo is eventually adopted by a kind, humble Australian family that provides him with a life he’s never had or even imagined having. However, the best is yet to come. Award-winning actress, Nicole Kidman, plays Saroo's Australian mother.
Now, twenty years later, Dev Patel plays the college student, male role Saroo. I don’t want to spoil everything but Saroo loses countless nights of sleep and relationships in order to retrace his steps back to his home in Kolkata. I felt such a connection to this film because of my own Sri Lankan roots and with such raw
The Sri Lankan family bond is one like no other and is very similar to an Indian family, as well. We value taking care of each other, spending time with each other, and of course talking about what Auntie did this or that. So, I thank you Garth Davis, for creating this extraordinary piece of work.
If your love for your child is greater than the love you have for yourself — then this film will move you.
P.S, bring tissues.
