Identity In The Film 'Lion' By Garth Davies

Identity is forged through both positive and negative experiences. Identity is built from positive experiences in day-to-day activities. Furthermore, negative experience is vital in the teaching of the important lesson used in the shaping of identity. Garth Davies illustrates this in his film Lion through the experiences of the protagonist Saroo, whose identity is morphed by the positive experiences of his upbringing in Australia and the negative experiences of the struggles of the past. The movie demonstrates Saroo’s resilience in the desolation at the Calcutta train station and his connection to his lacked Indian identity. Moreover, the film portrays Saroo’s love and affection for his new adoptive parents, which helps develop his Australian identity. The idea of identity is also prominent in the reflection of growing up in Australia, through the struggles and

Identity stems from the positive experiences recalled in everyday life. Davies in Lion illustrates this through Saroo’s upbringing in Australia and the heartwarming reminders of his past life. Despite living in poverty, Saroo found joy in little activities that helped connect him with the rest of his family. When Saroo presented the 2 bags of milk to his amma, he was overjoyed to enjoy the rare taste of “some milk”, with the low-angled shot facing up to Saroo emphasising the significance of buying milk in Ganesh Talai for his class through Saroo’s smile. Moreover, Davies reinstated positive experiences in the interactions at the airport. When Saroo is introduced to his new adoptive parents, he is quick to be open as portrayed when holding the stuffed Koala, with the close-up shot of Saroo holding the Koala depicting a sense of gratitude for a new caring family. Furthermore, Davies elaborates on positive experiences in the interaction at the dinner table, where the wide-angle perspective demonstrates the joyful connection between Saroo and his new adoptive parents.