Lion (2016) | Rotten Tomatoes

Lion

PG-13

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2h 1m

Drama

Biography

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Tomatometer

270 Reviews

91%

Audience Score

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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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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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

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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

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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

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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

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Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

Aside from one slightly underserved relationship and the film drifting a tad in the second half, “Lion” eloquently handles this incredible multi-layered story. Patel’s leading man star has never shown brighter.

Rated: 4.5/5

Aug 23, 2022

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Kal S

Cinematic story telling at its finest. Through the eyes of one boy, we see (and experience) the worst and best of humanity. I never felt manipulated (save perhaps for the unnecessary last few seconds of the end credits) by the film-makers. There are no cheesy, Hollywood-style monologues here—just an honest telling of a story that's raw and real, thoroughly absorbing and deeply moving. A beautifully crafted Australian film. (4/11/2018)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/23/24

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Gene H

Near perfect. One of the few movies I can watch multiple times. The scenes in India were flawlessly shot and acted. The characters were more than believable and very likable. You cannot watch this movie and not be absolutely sucked in.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/06/24

Full Review

Gertrude F

Beautifully raw and tragically intense, Lion tells an inspirational tale that's a lot more than just inspirational. The film is a shocking experience, especially when subconsciously comparing the realities faced by many in developing countries to the world I grew up within. It really is a film that opens up a tiny window through which I got a glimpse of another world. Transformative and ultimately a triumphant tale, Lion is a film that everyone should see.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/03/24

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Priyan B

An heartwarming,feel good drama 8.6/10

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/25/24

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Cheryl D

i loved this movie it was quite sad ,but also very lovely the small boy is amazing, as is dev patel and all of the actor and actresses in it ..was just such a beautiful film and it's true .. this should have won oscar's

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/09/24

Full Review

Shioka O

It's a beautiful film based on the true story and real-life people. The actor who played young Saroo made this film over the top. How empathetic his act is. Cinematography capturing all the Indian scenery is breathtaking. It reminds me Slumdog Millionaire and the actor is the same!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/06/24

Full Review

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Garth Davis

Director

Dev Patel

Saroo Brierley

Rooney Mara

Lucy

David Wenham

John Brierley

Nicole Kidman

Sue Brierley

Abhishek Bharate

Guddu

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Lion: Trailer 1

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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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