Michelle Yeoh plays political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi in this biopic from Luc Besson. Focusing on her relationship with British husband Michael Aris (David Thewlis), it tells the story of their enforced separation while the pro-democracy campaigner was under house arrest in Burma. Opening with Michael’s discovery that he has cancer, it unravels the build-up to Suu’s heartbreaking decision not to visit him in Britain, for fear of never returning to the people who elected her their leader. In many ways, it’s the story of the man behind the woman, and terrific performances from both Thewlis and Yeoh help deliver a moving, mature love story. More complex is the telling of Aung San Suu Kyi’s political struggles: while her actions are inspiring, her character and motivations could use more screen time. The English dialogue also sounds stilted in parts, not helped by one-dimensional performances from the Burmese baddies. Nonetheless, this is a worthwhile tribute with unforgettable scenes and an awards-worthy performance from Yeoh.

Anna Smith

From Time Out London

Dir Luc Besson, Category IIB, 132 mins, opens on Feb 9