The incredible story of Saroo Brierley has captured the hearts of millions around the world. From his bestselling memoir, A Long Way Home, to the critically acclaimed film adaptation, Lion (2016), this inspiring tale of hope, family, and determination has left a lasting impact.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the book and movie summary, the parent guide, the timeline, film locations, and behind-the-scenes insights to help you fully appreciate the journey of Lion.
Book Summary: A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley
A Long Way Home is the remarkable true story of Saroo Brierley, an Indian boy who was separated from his family at the age of five. After boarding a train and falling asleep, Saroo woke up to find himself thousands of miles away from home in the bustling city of Kolkata.
Unable to speak the local language and with no knowledge of his family’s whereabouts, Saroo was forced to survive on the streets for months. Eventually, he was taken in by an orphanage and adopted by an Australian couple, Sue and John Brierley. Despite growing up in a loving and supportive environment, Saroo couldn’t forget his roots and the family he had left behind.
As a young adult, Saroo began an incredible search for his birth family in India, using Google Earth and fragmented childhood memories. Against all odds, Saroo was able to locate his hometown and reunite with his birth mother more than 25 years after they were separated.
Movie Summary: Lion (2016)
Directed by Garth Davis, Lion is a powerful and emotional film adaptation of Saroo Brierley’s memoir, A Long Way Home.
The movie features an all-star cast, including Dev Patel as adult Saroo, Sunny Pawar as young Saroo, and Nicole Kidman and David Wenham as Sue and John Brierley.
The film follows Saroo’s life, from his early childhood in rural India to his time living on the streets of Kolkata and his eventual adoption by an Australian couple. As an adult, Saroo becomes obsessed with finding his birth family, using Google Earth and the few memories he has of his hometown.
Lion received critical acclaim for its moving storytelling, powerful performances, and stunning cinematography. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Dev Patel), and Best Supporting Actress (Nicole Kidman).
Parent Guide: What to expect from Lion
Lion is an inspiring and uplifting film that can be enjoyed by the whole family. However, parents should be aware that the movie contains some intense scenes and mature themes, including child abandonment, life on the streets, and the challenges faced by children in orphanages.
The film is rated PG-13, which means it may not be suitable for younger children. Parents should use their discretion when deciding whether to allow their children to watch Lion. It may be helpful to watch the movie together as a family and discuss the themes and issues raised in the story.
Timeline: When Lion takes place
The events in Lion span over 25 years, beginning in 1986 when five-year-old Saroo gets lost in India. The film then follows his life as he grows up in Australia and embarks on his search for his birth family as an adult in 2011. The story concludes with Saroo’s emotional reunion with his mother in India in 2012.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Film locations and production
Lion was filmed on location in India and Australia, with the production team making a conscious effort to stay true to the real-life settings of Saroo’s story.
Some of the key filming locations include:
- Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, India: Saroo’s hometown, where his birth family lived and where he was eventually reunited with his mother.
- Kolkata, West Bengal, India: The city where young Saroo found himself after getting lost, and where he lived on the streets before being taken in by the orphanage.
- Hobart, Tasmania, Australia: The Brierley family home, where Saroo grew up after being adopted by Sue and John Brierley.
The filmmakers also made a point of involving the real-life people behind the story, with Saroo and his adoptive parents, Sue and John, acting as consultants on the film.
Who’s Who: Main characters and cast
The main characters in Lion and the actors who play them are:
- Dev Patel as adult Saroo Brierley: An Indian-Australian man searching for his birth family in India.
- Sunny Pawar as young Saroo: The five-year-old version of Saroo who gets lost in India and eventually finds a new life in Australia.
- Nicole Kidman as Sue Brierley: Saroo’s adoptive mother, who raises him with love and support in Australia.
- David Wenham as John Brierley: Saroo’s adoptive father, who encourages his son’s search for his birth family.
- Rooney Mara as Lucy: Saroo’s girlfriend, who supports him throughout his journey.
Memorable quotes from Lion
Some of the most memorable and impactful quotes from Lion include:
- “I’m not from Kolkata… I’m lost.” (Young Saroo)
- “You have any idea what it’s like, knowing my real brother and mother spent every day of their lives looking for me? Huh? How every day my real brother screams my name? Can you imagine the pain they must be in not knowing where I am?” (Adult Saroo)
- “I always thought that I could keep this family together. I need you, Saroo.” (Sue Brierley)
Soundtrack highlights by Dustin O’Halloran and Hauschka
The beautiful and haunting soundtrack of Lion was composed by Dustin O’Halloran and Hauschka.
Some of the standout tracks include:
- “Never Give Up” by Sia: A powerful and uplifting song that plays during the closing credits of the film.
- “Layers Expanding Time”: A haunting piano piece that underscores Saroo’s emotional journey.
- “Home is with Me”: A tender and evocative track that perfectly captures the theme of family and belonging.
Curiosities and trivia about Lion
- Dev Patel spent eight months preparing for his role as adult Saroo, including gaining weight, growing his hair, and learning to speak with an Australian accent.
- The film’s title, Lion, is derived from the meaning of Saroo’s birth name, Sheru, which means “lion” in Hindi.
- Sunny Pawar, who played young Saroo, had never acted before and was discovered through an extensive casting search in India.
Tips for cosplay: Dress like your favorite Lion characters
If you’re a fan of Lion and want to dress up as your favorite characters, here are some tips to help you get started:
- Adult Saroo: Asignature look for adult Saroo is a simple button-up shirt, khaki pants, and a backpack. Don’t forget to add a map or smartphone to complete the look!
- Young Saroo: To dress up as young Saroo, you’ll need a red tank top and shorts, as well as a brown beaded necklace and a small backpack.
- Sue Brierley: Sue’s style is casual yet chic, often wearing comfortable sweaters and jeans. Add some oversized glasses to really capture her look!
- John Brierley: John’s style is more formal, often wearing a suit and tie. Add a pair of glasses and a friendly smile to complete the look!
Saroo Brierley: Bio and works
Saroo Brierley is an Australian-Indian author and businessman who rose to fame with his memoir, A Long Way Home. Born in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, India in 1981, Saroo was adopted by an Australian couple when he was six years old.
Saroo’s incredible search for his birth family in India, using Google Earth and his own memories, inspired the best-selling book A Long Way Home, which was later adapted into the film Lion. Saroo has since become an advocate for adoption and has spoken around the world about his experiences.
Lion’s ending explained
The emotional ending of Lion sees Saroo reunite with his mother and sister in India, after more than 25 years apart. The final scene shows Saroo embracing his birth mother, with a sense of closure and resolution.
The ending of the movie has been praised for its emotional impact and powerful message of hope and family. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a chance for reunion and reconciliation.
Possibilities for a remake, sequel, or spin-off
While there are no confirmed plans for a Lion remake, sequel, or spin-off, there have been some hints that a follow-up project could be in the works: Director Garth Davis has expressed interest in exploring more of Saroo’s story, and there have been rumors of a possible TV series or documentary.
Whatever the future holds for Lion, it’s clear that the story of Saroo Brierley and his incredible journey will continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
Other media by director Garth Davis
Director Garth Davis is known for his powerful and emotional storytelling, with several other notable works to his name.
Some of his other projects include:
- Mary Magdalene (2018): A retelling of the biblical story of Mary Magdalene, starring Rooney Mara as the titular character.
- Top of the Lake (2013-2017): A TV series co-created by Davis, exploring the dark underbelly of a small New Zealand town.
- Love My Way (2004-2007): A critically acclaimed Australian TV series about a dysfunctional family dealing with addiction and mental illness.
Similar media to Lion and A Long Way Home
If you’re a fan of Lion and A Long Way Home, here are some other books, movies, and TV shows that you might enjoy:
- Slumdog Millionaire (2008): A film about a Mumbai teen who becomes a contestant on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
- The Namesake (2006): A film about a young Indian-American man struggling to balance his cultural identity with his American upbringing.
- The Good Lie (2014): A film about a group of Sudanese refugees who are resettled in the United States.
- The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini: A novel about a young Afghan boy and his friendship with a wealthy boy from Kabul.
Book Club Questions for A Long Way Home
If you’re reading A Long Way Home with your book club, here are some discussion questions to get the conversation started:
- What did you think of Saroo’s decision to search for his birth family, even though he had a loving and supportive adoptive family?
- How did the book challenge your ideas about adoption and family?
- What role did technology, specifically Google Earth, play in Saroo’s search for his birth family?
- How did you feel about Saroo’s eventual reunion with his birth mother and sister? Did it meet your expectations?
- What impact did Saroo’s story have on you? Did it change the way you think about identity, family, or home?
Video games inspired by Lion’s story
In addition to the book and movie, there are also several video games that have been inspired by Saroo’s incredible journey.
Some of these games include:
- Lion: A Hollywood Tale: A mobile game where players help Saroo navigate the streets of Kolkata and find his way back home.
- A Long Way Home: A puzzle game where players guide Saroo through a series of levels, using Google Earth to find his way home.
- Lost in the City: A point-and-click adventure game where players must help a young girl navigate the streets of Kolkata and find her way back home.
Travel guide: Visit Lion’s iconic locations
If you’re a fan of Lion and want to experience some of the film’s iconic locations for yourself, here are some must-visit destinations:
- Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, India: Saroo’s hometown, where his birth family lived and where he was eventually reunited with his mother.
- Kolkata, West Bengal, India: The city where young Saroo found himself after getting lost, and where he lived on the streets before being taken in by the orphanage.
- Hobart, Tasmania, Australia: The Brierley family home, where Saroo grew up after being adopted by Sue and John Brierley.
Visiting these locations can be a powerful and emotional experience, giving you a deeper understanding of Saroo’s incredible journey and the impact that it has had on people around the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “A Long Way Home” is a captivating story that transcends boundaries of culture and distance, reminding us of the power of resilience and the unwavering human spirit.
The journey of Saroo Brierley, both in the book and its movie adaptation, takes readers and viewers on an emotional rollercoaster as they witness his determination to find his way back home.
Through the vivid descriptions in the book and the compelling performances on screen, the narrative becomes a poignant exploration of identity, family, and the ties that bind us.
Whether you choose to delve into the pages of the book or immerse yourself in the cinematic experience, “A Long Way Home” offers a transformative and thought-provoking journey that is not to be missed.
Grab a copy of the book or stream the movie today and embark on this incredible odyssey alongside Saroo Brierley. Discover the power of hope and the resilience of the human spirit in “A Long Way Home”.
