Lion

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2:21

Lion

PG-13

Released Dec 21, 2016

2h 1m

Drama

Biography

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Popcornmeter

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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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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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

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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

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

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Es K

Lion struck a chord with me, not because I had experienced life as an orphan, but because my own mother had left our family when I was very young. We were the fortunate ones, as she eventually returned, but she was never truly happy. I spent most of my life trying to gauge her emotions, fearing that she might leave us again. Fortunately, she remained with our family, but her emotional distance and deep-seated longing for something more were always apparent. Ultimately, we all desire the same thing that Saroo did - to be loved and understood by our mothers.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/20/25

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Kara M

It was well done, the acting was strong and the story compelling. My only complaint would be that it was a little draggy in the middle, especially after he grew up. Plus, many questions remained unanswered, like, where was his father? What happened to the family in India all those years he was gone? The actual moment where he goes back to his town was at the very end and given very few minutes screen time. It would have been nice to have more time with him as a child in Australia adjusting to life there. Overall, quite good, though

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/03/25

Full Review

Chrissy B

An utterly wonderful, wonderful film. So moving in so many ways.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/28/25

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Henry S

Lion's first half is incredibly profound and saddening, with our young lead giving a terrific performance. Once the transition to adulthood is made, the film slightly loses its magic, as it becomes a bit more conventional and rushed. But, the impact and emotion is still there.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/18/25

Full Review

Audience Member

Such a beautiful story of being a child in India, running wild and hopping on trains. I cried throughout the entire movie because it was very emotional. The lengths these children go through to survive. The story of brotherhood was strong, reminded me of my childhood going on adventures. Actors were great, beautiful story and ending.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/20/25

Full Review

Nick R

Extremely well-acted and filled with heart and emotion.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/23/24

Full Review

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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, Aquarius Films, Sunstar Entertainment
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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