Student Film Reviews

Film reviews from theaters, couches, and film festivals

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1. Katrina Storton 11.23.16 / 11pm

   This was the first film I saw at AFI Fest as well and boy did it set the bar high. There was no other film like this the rest of the week. It stood out on its own and makes a place in your heart. Did you stay for the Q&A afterwards? I wish I was there the second night when Sunny had arrived. I agree, phenomenal film. Such an amazing true story. I feel everyone needs to see this.
2. Tilda Sorvari 11.25.16 / 9am

   I know! definitely a movie I will talk about for a really long time. I did stay for the Q&Q, so amazing to see Saroo! and the rest of the cast of course. Sunny is so freaking adorable I just can’t handle him.
3. Veronica Arvidsson 02.01.17 / 5pm

   I agree with what you said about the beginning being very intense, creating this almost chaotic feeling around this time that was the most confusing one in his life. And I think it was a beautiful transition to his life in Australia which was very calm and normal. This caused for a beautiful contrast between the different stages of his life.
4. Susan Cochran 02.03.17 / 10pm

   Ms. Sorvari gives a good review of “Lion” directed by Garth Davis. The themes of lost and found are repeated throughout the film. Saroo is lost and manages to find a somewhat better home in the orphanage and then is found again in the form of adoption. There is a longing within him though. He is with a family yet he dreams of a lost family far away. In college, he finds through Google Maps that he may be able to isolate the location of his childhood and the obsession threatens his relationships with family and his girlfriend. Dreams of his wandering his small village in India and walking into his house are fulfilled and the realization of that two families are capable of love help him to complete his identity.
5. Jade Wynn 03.10.17 / 9am

   I have been wanting to see this movie, and after reading your review I will definitely find the time to watch it. One of my favorite parts of movies is when the cinematography is breathtaking and it sounds like there are some good shots in this film. I am also drawn to movies that engross you and bring you into their world, especially if that world is very different than my own. I loved this actor in Slumdog millionaire and I am curious to see some more of his work. Overall, I will try and watch this film soon because it seems worth it.
6. Rachael Caughron 03.10.17 / 10pm

   Knowing that this was a true story made it even more poignant. The narrative seems as if it was scripted specifically for Hollywood, but, remarkably, this innocent child actually endured some of the most terrifying experiences a child can live through. Your heart aches for him. And, perhaps if you are a parent, you feel a wave of panic as you see him ripped away from his entire life and dumped in such a cruel and unforgiving place. It’s hard not to get emotional when watching this film. It is filled with hope, determination and resilience, yet pointedly sheds light on inhumanities suffered in certain parts of the world.
7. Melissa Aguayo 06.06.17 / 6pm

   Lion is an incredible story and film! The actors did an amazing job at, like you said, transporting the viewer into another world. I noticed some really nice lighting and development in this film. Like when Saroo was adopted, and met his adoptive parents, there was a strong white light coming from behind as they all met, like he was being saved. I also noticed his adoptive mother put her forehead against his to share a moment, then when he reunited with his biological mother 20 years later, they did the same thing. The development in that seemed very strong and sensual.
8. Bo Jiun Huang 06.11.17 / 1am

   I had watched this film a couple month ago, and this is one of the most touching film. After reading your review, I felt the touching feeling while watching film. The movie is basically about a kid who was lost with his family. Later an adaption organization found a family who is trying to adapt him. However, this kid is going to leave his hometown , India, to Australia. After he grew up, he is trying to find his family, he do find his family back to India, however, his brother was dead at the day he was lost. This movie inspired me a lot, it makes me fell how lucky I am. Also it also points out the issue of the adaption, I got friend who also got a issue, he is trying to find his parents, it really touched my heat.
9. Laurine Lambert 10.07.17 / 8pm

   I watched this film not too long ago. I agreed that Dev Patel was perfect for this role. The way how he is acting is just outstanding. I also remember the drone shot you described of the landscape of India where it makes sense in the end. All the little steps back to his old place. The film is very touching, and sad, and of course its a real story that happened. The filming, the slow pace editing, everything was well done. I recommend everyone too watch this movie.
10. Reanna Eliav 07.21.18 / 9pm

    I found this film so hard to watch at times because of how real it felt. I was so invested in the characters and the story was so engaging that I became really emotional. I think the filmmakers did such a great job at depicting the harsh reality of the poverty in India and the struggles that families have to go through, like making their young children provide for the family instead of going to school. I agree, I think the sound design and editing were good, but more than that I thought the cinematography was beautiful, and the music really helped convey the emotion. As hard as it is to watch at times I agree that it is also very heartwarming, especially at the end when he is finally reunited with his family.

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