A film hailed by viewers as ‘the best movie they’ve ever seen’ whilst simultaneously being ‘heartbreaking’ is set to broadcast on Film4 this evening, with audiences describing it as ‘wonderful’.

Lion tells the remarkable true story of Saroo Brierley, portrayed by Dev Patel, an Indian youngster who became separated from his family at just five before being adopted by an Australian couple. Years later, as an adult, he harnesses modern technology – specifically Google Earth – to embark on a mission to locate his birth family in India.

The narrative chronicles his traumatic early separation and struggle for survival in Kolkata, his contented upbringing in Australia with his adoptive mother, brought to life by Nicole Kidman, and his unwavering determination to reconnect with his roots – a journey that masterfully weaves together sorrow and optimism.

The cast also features Sunny Pawar, Rooney Mara, David Wenham, alongside Abhishek Bharate, Divian Ladwa, Priyanka Bose and Deepti Naval. The 2016 release garnered six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and claimed BAFTA honours for Best Supporting Actor for Dev Patel and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Nicole Kidman also secured an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Saroo’s adoptive mum. One enthusiastic viewer said on Rotten Tomatoes with a five-star review: “Possibly the most stunning and heartbreaking and engaging story of the century. Bought the book after watching the movie.”, reports <a href=”https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/poignant-movie-based-heartbreaking-true-36499531″ rel=”Follow” target=”_self”>the Mirror</a>.

Another viewer wrote: “Amazing…one of the best movies I have ever seen. An utterly wonderful, wonderful film. So moving in so many ways,” while another five-star review read: “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.”

One cinema-goer felt a profound resonance with the plot, sharing: “Seeing Lion as someone who was adopted myself, 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.

“Sunny Pawar’s portrayal of young Saroo is heartbreakingly innocent and Dev Patel as the adult shows the ache of searching for identity without ever losing gratitude for the life he was given. Nicole Kidman and David Wenham feel like the adoptive parents anyone would be lucky to have, full of love and patience.”

The viewer added: “Watching the film, I felt both comforted and unsettled, reminded of the duality of adoption: the joy and the loss, the belonging and the questions that never fully go away. “It’s one of those rare films that doesn’t just tell a story, it makes you feel it deep in your bones. “”.

Lion airs on Wednesday 7 January at 6.40pm on Film4.