Writer: Nur Safina Othman

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Sacrifice. That is the main theme shown in the film "The Lady".

The story of Aung San Suu Kyi, a female politician for the Opposition party in Burma (now known as Myanmar) is so well known in the world of politics that it has gained international recognition. Suu Kyi is the third child and only daughter to Aung San, who is thought of as the Father of Modern Burma, and who is also placed under house arrest for 15 years beginning from 20 July 1989 until he was freed in 13 November 2010.

"The Lady" tells of the epic love story between a husband and wife, which are Suu Kyi (Michelle Yeoh) are Michael Aris (David Thewlis), as well as their two sons, Alexander (Jonathan Woodhouse) and Kim (Jonathan Ragget), who are willing to sacrifice their happiness for the sake for their struggle for democracy in Burma.

It is an honour for Suu Kyi's story to be adapted to the silver screen for public viewing, although admittedly, the two-hour long film is not enough to detail about every event that happened in her life. Although "The Lady" is a biopic, it is entertaining and educational, in knowledge and morals, which is certain to make you feel more than a little emotional during scenes such as how Suu Kyi's supporters were mistreated and killed mercilessly, as well as how Suu Kyi's family dealt with the various obstacles placed in their way, especially when her husband and children were not allowed to meet her for a long period. Director Luc Besson ("Le Femme Nikita", the "Arthur" film franchise) has managed to engage viewers in Suu Kyi's life, which is tragic, yet she has the determination and strength to continue her fight even if it meant that she needed to sacrifice her own family.

The role of Suu Kyi has been tasked to Ipoh-born actress, Michelle Yeoh ("Memoirs Of Geisha", "Tomorrow Never Dies"). It is obvious that the writer cannot think of anyone more suitable to explore this icon besides Yeoh, for Yeoh has played Suu Kyi to certain uncanniness. The way she moved, behaved and expressed herself along with their facial resemblance lent a realistic and unpretentious air to Yeoh's portrayal. It is not too much to say that Yeoh has managed to make Suu Kyi and the citizens of Myanmar proud with the way this film turned out. Praise should also be given to David Thewlis ("War Horse" and the "Harry Potter" film franchise), her devoted husband who never stopped supporting his wife. For the writer, Thewlis was supposed to touch the hearts of viewers as Michael Aris, and bring them to tears when he was seen struggling with prostate cancer and his separation with his beloved, and these he did. The chemistry between Yeoh and Thewlis as husband and wife is undeniably present.

"The Lady" is not a biopic that is boring. It will make viewers unwilling to move from their seats in order to find out about the life of the Nobel Peace Prize receiver from 1991 till now, fighting for the democracy of the citizens of Burma. Despite facing various obstacles, Suu Kyi did not give up, nor did it weaken her will. These are some of the lessons that you will learn watching "The Lady".

Cinema Online, 23 March 2012