Watch Son of a Lion

Son of a Lion is a 2007 Pakistani movie directed by Benjamin Gilmour, which tells the story of a Pashtun boy named Niaz who is caught in a conflict between tradition and modernity. The movie showcases the life of a family residing in a remote village in the midst of tribal areas of Pakistan. The movie does a good job of blending a traditional storyline with a contemporary setting, creating a compelling narrative.

The film takes place in the spectacular and serene landscape of NWFP, Pakistan, and beautifully depicts the culture and customs that have been prevailing there for centuries. Through this movie, the director explores the harsh realities of life in remote communities, where families are constantly struggling for survival. It highlights the pressing issues that are still prevalent in the tribal areas of Pakistan, including poverty, illiteracy, and unjust socio-economic structures.

The movie revolves around Niaz, a young Pashtun boy who is forced to work in a welding shop in Peshawar to support his family. He is intelligent and ambitious and dreams of a brighter future. However, his father, Sher Alam, is a traditional and conservative Pashtun who disapproves of his son's aspirations. Sher Alam is a skilled and accomplished falconer who raises birds of prey, and he expects his son to follow in his footsteps.

Niaz is torn between his father's expectations and his own desires, which lead him down a different path. He starts attending a school in Peshawar, where he learns about the world beyond his village. His world is turned upside down upon encountering a female teacher, who inspires him to pursue his education and dreams of becoming a pilot.

The movie focuses on the father-son conflict and how it leads to a clash of cultures. Sher Alam represents the traditional way of life and perceives education as a threat to his Pashtun identity. Sher Alam is a stern and authoritarian figure who enforces his beliefs on his family, including his wife, who is unable to voice her opinion. Sher Alam is trapped in his beliefs, which have been passed down to him from his forefathers, and he is unable to comprehend the changes taking place around him.

Niaz's struggles are somewhat echoed by Baktiyar, a childhood friend of Niaz, who has aligned himself with the Taliban. Baktiyar's views are strongly influenced by the propaganda that circulates in the region, and he considers the education of girls and the pursuit of modernity to be un-Islamic. Baktiyar's character serves as a foil to Niaz, highlighting the dangers of extremism and the importance of peaceful coexistence.

The movie effectively captures the nuances of Pashtun culture and provides viewers with an insight into the diverse communities that reside in Pakistan. The movie is visually stunning, and the cinematography captures the essence of the landscape, which is both beautiful and unforgiving. The performances by the cast are remarkable, particularly by Niaz Khan Shinwari, who portrays Niaz with depth and sensitivity.

Overall, Son of a Lion is a heartwarming and inspiring tale of a young boy's quest for education and self-realization. The film explores the complexities of culture, tradition, and modernity, and showcases the beauty of humanity's ability to adapt to change. The movie is a must-watch for those interested in the culture and history of Pakistan, and for those seeking inspiration and hope in the face of adversity.

Son of a Lion is a 2007 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.