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Bookmark this pageThe Lady (2011)
Director: Luc Besson
Movie review
From Time Out London
Michelle Yeoh plays political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi in this biopic from Luc Besson. Focusing on her relationship with British husband Michael Aris (David Thewlis), it tells the story of their enforced separation while the pro-democracy campaigner was under house arrest in Burma. Opening with Michael’s discovery that he has cancer, it unravels the build-up to Suu’s heartbreaking decision not to visit him in Britain, for fear of never returning to the people who elected her their leader. In many ways, it’s the story of the man behind the woman, and terrific performances from both Thewlis and Yeoh help deliver a moving, mature love story. More complex is the telling of Aung San Suu Kyi’s political struggles: while her actions are inspiring, her character and motivations could use more screen time. The English dialogue also sounds stilted in parts, not helped by one-dimensional performances from the Burmese baddies. Nonetheless, this is a worthwhile tribute with unforgettable scenes and an awards-worthy performance from Yeoh.Author: Anna Smith
Time Out London Issue 2157/2158: 22 Dec 2011 – Jan 4 2012
User reviews of this film
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- mok ahmad said...
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Posted on May 07 2012 02:55
having visited the rebels in burma off the record,this story is not for the modern day gadget lovers!
it compels you to take a stock of ur life!syu kyi certainly does that!movie is top class! - Report as inappropriate
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- Paul said...
- Posted on Jan 19 2012 00:55 Much better than I was expecting and glad I didn't let reviews put me off either. I agree with the main thrust of the comments here.
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- JM said...
- Posted on Jan 15 2012 13:21 Wonderful performances from both Yeoh and Thewliss. Beautiful photography. Emotions played out superbly. Shows with real bathos the personal family side of this incredible true modern struggle for democracy. Awesome.
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- john o sullivan said...
- Posted on Jan 10 2012 06:31 sorry ruth i was trying to be ironic.. but the producers say audiences have risen because of the confusion of the title of the two films... both performances are superb
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- Ruth said...
- Posted on Jan 09 2012 19:03 I notice John O'sullivan's most recent post says 'Meryl very good in it. ' John, did you mean Michelle Yeoh who is The Lady in question, as opposed to Meryl's Iron Lady?
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- john o sullivan said...
- Posted on Jan 09 2012 11:26 read an interview with the producers that indicates audiences are growing on word of mouth endorsement and some people thinking Meryl very good in it
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- ARCHGATE said...
- Posted on Jan 09 2012 11:12 I endorse every positive comment. Yeoh deserves to win an Oscar for her performance.
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- david said...
- Posted on Jan 07 2012 08:48 Generally speaking the production values in this film are high - it is a feast for the eyes. Also the story itself - well the female part is inspiring. Now to my word of warning David Thewlis' performance, was for me, became a huge milestone around this film's neck. He plays the role of the long suffering (literally) husband like a some weird cross between Groucho Marx on acid and Uriah Heep. For me completely unsympathic because of this, I started to wince inside every time he was on the screen. So this could have been a contender - but sadly isn't.
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- Jean Westby said...
- Posted on Jan 06 2012 22:53 I saw this on wed . It's a stunning film that shows staggering bravery. Beautifully filmed and very moving
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- Eva said...
- Posted on Jan 05 2012 10:11 I was extremely moved by this film and cannot understand the slating reviews I've read. I think this is an important film for people to see. We do not appreciate the freedoms we have in the west and more people need to stop and think about the true struggles going on in the world pass the two minute news report that we are now immune to. I urge anyone with influence to spread the word and not allow these reviewers to essentially suppress the voice of this film.
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- john o sullivan said...
- Posted on Jan 04 2012 16:05 I recommend te documentary 'Burma VJ'. I saw that a few days ago. It's a stunning film that shows staggering bravery. It's essential viewing if you were inspired by The Lady.
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- Ruth said...
- Posted on Jan 03 2012 22:27 Beautifully filmed and very moving. Michelle Yeoh gives a sincere and convincing performance as The Lady. Not mimicry. Showed the tough personal choices and sacrifice the whole Aris family faced as events overtook them. Some heart-stopping scenes such as Suu's speech and her inner strength apparent in facing up to armed guards. Glad I didn't let some of the reviews put me off. Of course there are more facets to this story but this was not the pale biopic the critics described. I notice I'm not alone in saying that! A memorable movie.
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- John O Sullivan said...
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Posted on Jan 03 2012 10:37
Amazing that every comment section on this film is filled with praise from people that have seen it
Well another 4 stars from me
It worked for me,an unbelievable story of courage
It makes you think the world could be a better
place if a few more Aung San Suu Kyi existed
It also begs the question why America and Britain gets so involved with oil rich countries behaving badly and turns away from greater abuses elsewhere
Outstanding in everyway and Yeoh puts in the performance of the year but wont even get nominated
So if you could change youre 3 stars to 4 hopefully more people would see it,as I was nearly put off by the savage reviews elsewhere - Report as inappropriate
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- John O Sullivan said...
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Posted on Jan 03 2012 10:37
Amazing that every comment section on this film is filled with praise from people that have seen it
Well another 4 stars from me
It worked for me,an unbelievable story of courage
It makes you think the world could be a better
place if a few more Aung San Suu Kyi existed
It also begs the question why America and Britain gets so involved with oil rich countries behaving badly and turns away from greater abuses elsewhere
Outstanding in everyway and Yeoh puts in the performance of the year but wont even get nominated
So if you could change youre 3 stars to 4 hopefully more people would see it,as I was nearly put off by the savage reviews elsewhere - Report as inappropriate
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- Christopher Jackson said...
- Posted on Jan 01 2012 12:15 loved iot but they missed out important part mediatation and buddhism play in her life, what a pity.
- Report as inappropriate
Cast & crew
Director: Luc Besson
Cast: Michelle Yeoh, David Thewlis, Jonathan Raggett, Jonathan Woodhouse full cast
Rated: PG
Duration: 135 mins
UK Release: Dec 30 2011
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