The Lady (2011)

The story of Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi has surely got to be one of the most compelling, fascinating, and inspirational tales of fortitude and commitment in the arena of international politics. Winning the Nobel Peace Prize for her struggles to bring democracy to her war-torn land, Suu Kyi gave up everything (including family and freedom) for a cause and a country. It is an epic ongoing tale, one that would surely make an incredible film. Luc Besson, perhaps best known for his flair for stylistic action, takes on "The Lady" and it is a real change-of-pace from his usual fare. The wisest decision that Besson made was casting Michelle Yeoh in the leading role. She brings a tremendous dignity to the proceedings and her calm AND gravitas make her quite believable as Burma's national heroine. "The Lady" doesn't play as a straight-up biography, though. The focus of the film is Suu Kyi's family. I think this is an interesting idea to explore, but also one that I didn't think truly worked. By splitting the plot lines, we end up gaining very little insight into Suu Kyi or the political climate of Burma. If you aren't intimately familiar with the story, you might question why Suu Kyi is so passionate to the cause and just what her specific contributions are.

The movie begins with a bit of back story. We see Suu Kyi's father (a hero of the independence movement) murdered as Burma is presented as a land ruled by force. We then fast forward to Suu Kyi playing the role of an average British housewife. She has a perfect family, her husband (David Thewlis) is an Oxford professor and her two teenage boys are vaguely interchangeable. When her mother back home in Burma becomes ill, she returns to her homeland. Due to her heritage, she is held up as a prominent face for reform. Soon she is being elevated to leader status, but the screenplay never really explains this process in any detail. One day she's just ready to take the mantle. I wanted to see more of what made this transition, get closer to the Suu Kyi character. But we remain somewhat distant throughout due to the split focus. While Suu Kyi is becoming a political power (mostly off screen), Thewlis struggles with cooking and laundry. Really? But "The Lady" is meant to be a more personal telling as the family is divided and threatened. Once again, though, some insight into these personal travails would also have been appreciated. Yeoh and Thewlis never waver from their convictions, display doubt, or wrestle with these hardships in any tangible way. They just accept them nobly and, thus, the love story also lacks a certain depth.

But it's hard to dismiss "The Lady" and, indeed, I quite recommend it. I just don't think that it is the great film that it might have been. Through it all, I couldn't take my eyes off of Yeoh and this is easily her strongest performance in years. Despite the gaps in the story, she made me believe that Suu Kyi would stand as a country's role model. I wish the story wasn't so muted in its political explanations, because really understanding Burma and its struggles would have made this a profound experience. With this woman of sacrifice and solidity, though, the movie still packs an emotional punch. More a love letter to a relationship than an in-depth biography, "The Lady" is a well made film for adults. But for me, it misses the mark to make it the unforgettable epic that it deserved to be. I'd love to see the subject matter explored again with a slightly different perspective. But, for now, "The Lady" and especially Yeoh have whetted my appetite to read up on the real life Suu Kyi. And that's something. KGHarris, 9/12.

this movie is an epic and an inspirational one story.... Anyone who believes in the spirit of human being will appreciate this movie... despite some people's supression, the lady came out as iconic figure who provides voice to her people....

Buy The Lady (2011) Now

This is a must see movie about love dedication and selflessness. The cast and the storyline was phenomenal.! was phSimply awesome

Read Best Reviews of The Lady (2011) Here

Michelle Yeoh is amazing, especially since this portrayal is about a living celebrity so recently in the global spot-light. As with all positive biographies, it's difficult to be objective but Luc Bresson and Michelle put the vulnerabilities, sacrifices and hard choices made on the table. Bravo!

Want The Lady (2011) Discount?

"The Lady," a biographical picture of Aung San Suu Kyi, is directed by Luc Besson, best known for his "La Femme Nikita," "Léon: The Professional" and "The Fifth Element." Michelle Yeoh plays the role of Aung San Suu Kyi, Burmese political and human rights activist. David Thewlis is her husband Dr. Michael Aris. (Thewlis also plays his twin brother Anthony.)

"The Lady" starts in 1947. General Aung San was assassinated when his daughter Aung San Suu Kyi was only two years old. About forty years later, Aung San Suu Kyi, now living in Oxford with her husband and two sons, receives a call from Burma. Her mother is ill and in hospital. Aung San Suu Kyi flies back to Burma, where, witnessing the student protests and the bloody suppression of it, she decides to stay and become a leader of the movement for democracy.

Yes, it's Luc Besson and his usual collaborators cinematographer Thierry Arbogast and composer Eric Serra. Unlike in most of his films (including his recent "Arthur" trilogy), his new film is not about a fantastical universe or underworld based on his wild imagination, but about a real-life person who is alive and in the middle of her political career. Actually, Besson made a "bio-pic" once, but I don't think historical accuracy was priority No.1 in making "The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc" for him.

While following her life as a political activist in Burma, Besson also tries to tell us a story of her relationship with her husband Michael Aris. In this way we get to see both her public and private face but despite the film's touching finale, "The Lady" suffers from its uneven pace that sometimes feels rushed. Most people other than Aung San Suu Kyi, and Michael Aris generals, soldiers or citizens, whether Burmese or British are relegated to caricatures or cyphers.

Acting is excellent. Michelle Yeoh plays the role of Aung San Suu Kyi with grace and dignity while David Thewlis turns in a moving performance as her husband supporting her even when he is thousands of miles away from her. Their strong bond is the driving force of the film, accompanied by the compelling photography.

"The Lady" puts more focus on the relationship between Aung San Suu Kyi and Michael Aris, than her political career, for better or for worse. As a love story it works, thanks to the strong performances from the leads; as a biographical picture of Aung San Suu Kyi as one of the world's most iconic figures, perhaps we should wait for another film to be made, or read books.

Save 47% Off