David Sims Lion is ultimately an excellent example of its type-a resonant true story told, not with manipulative cliches, but with refreshing confidence.

Stephen Whitty The trite tropes are thick but Saroo's drama remains undramatized and we remain mostly unmoved.

Peter Travers Kudos to Kidman, whose unglam, unguarded take on the role is emotionally powerful and true; her scenes with Patel provide just the right blend of grit and grace. Lion is one from the heart.

Stephanie Zacharek Lion ... becomes ordinary, even as it moves toward a climax that's moving for all the predictable reasons.

Brian Truitt The finale is manipulative in every way, squeezing out the emotions of the audience. But Lion's well-plotted narrative and thoughtful characters suck you in so much that the journey there is totally worth it.

Susan Wloszczyna Let's just say if you are human, there is no way that Lion won't move you.

Kenneth Turan "Lion" is blessed with a Ripley's Believe It or Not story line that would warm the heart of a stone.

A.O. Scott If you have ever been a child, raised a child, lost a child or met a child - or a mother - this movie will wreck you.

Sam Adams The movie could have examined the limitations of white liberalism, the damage that well-meaning people can do if they don't educate themselves along the way. Instead, it embodies that well-meaning approach, and all the harm it can do.