THE TRUE STORY OF BURMA’S NATIONAL HEROINE

The Lady

By KOGI VIJAY

I don’t know what to expect because Luc Besson is not known for his dramatic chops but nevertheless, I’m a big fan of Suu Kyi and I’m impressed that this sweeping account of a true hero of our time comes from one of the world’s most ambitious craftsmen of large-scale cinematic entertainment.

The Lady, directed by Luc Besson tells the inspiring true story of Burmese pro-democracy activist, leader and political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi (Michelle Yeoh) and the tenacious long-distance bond she maintained with her British husband, Michael Aris (David Thewlis) while under house arrest for over a decade.

An academic’s wife, Aung San Suu Kyi returned to her native Burma in 1988 from Oxford, where she had lived for many years. Her visit was prompted by news of her mother’s deteriorating health, but the country was in an uproar. The country’s military leader, General Ne Win, stepped down, and protestors quickly filled the streets of Naypyidaw to demand democratic reform. Those protestors were beaten and their message concealed.

The charismatic and politically engaged Suu Kyi, found herself called upon to lead Burma out from under the shadow of military dictatorship as the General Secretary of the newly formed National League for Democracy. In 1990, a general election was held and the NLD won, but Suu Kyi was held under house arrest by the military junta. She remained a prisoner in her own home for most of the next fifteen years. The film depicts a woman who goes from a wife and mom, to a leader of a democracy movement – a national and worldwide figure.

Interestingly, although this film is a political film, it does not come off as one. It really comes off as a love story between Suu Kyi and her husband Michael, a role played marvellously by David Thewlis. His unconditional love for her and his understanding towards her responsibilities was some of the reasons behind her success. With the help of his sister, Michael takes over the needs of their children when they are separated after Suu Kyi gets placed under house arrest. In order to get her to give up her commitment to democracy, the military leaders try at many intervals by pointing out that she has failed her responsibilities as a mother and wife because she has abandoned her family.

One of the main highlights of the movie though is how Michael runs a campaign to get Suu Kyi the Nobel Peace Prize to raise her visibility to protect her safety. In 1991, he succeeds. A scene depicts one of her sons accepting the award on her behalf as she listened to the ceremony on a radio from her home prison in Burma. Just writing about it brings tears to my eyes.

The film shows how she even gets to the people who are charged with holding her prisoner.  Her quiet and deep convictions for the people of her country and their needs are her primary goal in life. Many may seem to think that she has been depicted as a perfect specimen of a woman, a woman with no faults but whatever said and done, this woman is a true leader. The Lady celebrates the struggle of the people of Burma and the difference that a single strong-willed individual can make in the world.

For Michelle Yeoh, this is definitely a role of a lifetime. She eloquently embodies Suu Kyi’s tranquil defiance and wisdom and I must say that she quite scarily resembles Suu Kyi, appearance wise. The Lady is definitely set to generate some Oscar buzz for Yeoh.  Malaysian Boleh!