The Lady [MA]

The country of Burma has suffered and continues to suffer at the hands of a brutal and oppressive government, which robs its people of their basic human rights. When her mother suffers a stroke, Aung San Suu Kyi flies home to Burma from England and whilst caring for her mother, she agrees to continue the work of her father and lead a peaceful campaign to bring democracy to Burma. But the road to a bright future poses many challenges and requires great courage and sacrifice from Suu, her husband Michael, and her family. 

Based on the incredible true story, The Lady is a beautiful film that will bring a tear to any dry eye and a lump to any open throat. Luc Besson has taken a very brutal and shocking, yet incredibly emotive and powerful story and turned it a remarkable film that will send tears streaming, mind racing, and heart pounding. The Lady is a beautiful movie. 

The country of Burma has suffered and continues to suffer at the hands of a brutal and oppressive government, which robs its people of their basic human rights. When her mother suffers a stroke, Aung San Suu Kyi flies home to Burma from England and whilst caring for her mother, she agrees to continue the work of her father and lead a peaceful campaign to bring democracy to Burma. But the road to a bright future poses many challenges and requires great courage and sacrifice from Suu, her husband Michael, and her family. 

Jumping from time frame to time frame, The Lady tells two stories. One is the peaceful and powerful political quest of a truly remarkable woman, and the other is the heartbreaking love story between Aung San Suu Kyi and her husband Michael Aris: their trials and tribulations and the incredible courage and sacrifice that they both went through. 

A fair portion of the footage used in the movie is real and was filmed by video journalists who were imprisoned. This is where the film’s shock value comes into play. The authentic footage of brutal mistreatment, mixed with the emotional stories and incredible performances, then combined with the written commentary that informs the audience of the drama’s recent and continual happening is what makes the blood chill and the tears run. I physically cannot bring myself to try and communicate just how deeply this movie can affect. You’ll all have to watch it. 

Michelle Yeoh stars as the Steel Orchard herself and her performance was nothing short of extraordinary. All the while she had a face and an air that was tranquil and peaceful, but then there are scenes where the inner torments and tortures shine through and she just reduces everyone to tears. I salute you Michelle! 

David Thewlis stars as Michael Aris and if ever there was the ideal husband, it’s him. I feel that there is a serious lovingness and devotion in David and that genuine characteristic shines through with blinding power in this movie. David’s performance was devoted, charming, inspiring, and very, very lovely. 

Starring Jonathan Raggett, Jonathan Woodhouse, Susan Wooldridge, and Benedict Wong, The Lady is a remarkable movie filled with courage, sacrifice, drama, love, devotion, and inspiring hope. It’s absolutely beautiful.