A film hailed by audiences as both 'wonderful' and 'heartbreaking' is set to captivate viewers on Film4 this evening. Lion, the powerful true story of a lost boy's decades-long journey to find his family, airs at 6.40pm on Wednesday 7 January.
The Incredible True Story Behind the Film
The movie tells the remarkable real-life saga of Saroo Brierley. At just five years old, he became separated from his family in India. After surviving alone on the streets of Kolkata, he was adopted by a loving Australian couple, Sue and John Brierley.
Decades later, as an adult haunted by fragmented memories, Saroo (played by Dev Patel) embarked on an extraordinary quest. Using Google Earth, he painstakingly scanned satellite imagery to locate his childhood village, ultimately reuniting with his biological mother after 25 years.
An Award-Winning Cast and Critical Acclaim
The 2016 feature boasts an acclaimed cast. Sunny Pawar portrays the young Saroo, while Dev Patel plays the adult version. Nicole Kidman and David Wenham star as his adoptive parents, with Rooney Mara also featuring.
The film was a major awards contender, receiving six Academy Award nominations, including for Best Picture. It won two BAFTAs, for Dev Patel as Best Supporting Actor and for Best Adapted Screenplay. Nicole Kidman was also Oscar-nominated for her supporting role.
Audience Reactions: A Deeply Personal Impact
Viewers have consistently praised the film's emotional depth. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, one fan awarded five stars, calling it "possibly the most stunning and heartbreaking and engaging story of the century."
Another review highlighted its universal appeal: "An utterly wonderful, wonderful film. So moving in so many ways." The story resonates particularly strongly with those touched by adoption.
One adopted viewer shared: "It hit me in a way no other film could. The sense of being uprooted, of loving your adoptive family while still carrying that quiet, persistent longing for your birth family, is so raw and real here."
They added that the film masterfully portrays the duality of adoption—the joy and the loss, the belonging and the unanswered questions. "It’s one of those rare films that doesn’t just tell a story, it makes you feel it deep in your bones," they concluded.
With its blend of harrowing early survival, heartfelt family love, and a technologically-aided search for identity, Lion promises an unforgettable viewing experience. Tune in to Film4 at 6.40pm to witness this poignant story of hope and homecoming.
