Life of Pi (2012) Directed by Ang Lee. Starring: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan and Adil Hussain. IMDB says: “A young man who survives a disaster at sea is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While cast away, he forms an unexpected connection with another survivor … a fearsome Bengal tiger.”
I had no idea what to expect from Life of Pi. I hadn’t read the book, the trailers were very vague, and the critics seemed to love the film way too much. I went in with a very open mind and hardly any expectation and was completely blown away with the movie. Life of Pi is an incredible story and a gorgeous journey. The story is about Pi, a young boy who stood out from the rest of the kids all of his life, and when he finally gets the girl, his family has to move. It’s not an easy task because they live at and operate the Zoo. While some of the animals are sold, most are packed up and loaded onto a freighter headed to Canada. With Pi and his family on board, they set out to start a new adventure in their lives. It quickly comes to an end when the freighter finds itself through rough seas and when all is said and done, all that’s left is Pi and a Tiger, named Richard Parker, in a rescue boat for the next two hundred plus days. The entire film is told through the point of view of an adult Pi, who is being interviewed by a novelist looking for a good story.
Every scene is visually impressive and you find yourself becoming immersed in the story as every scene passes. From the opening credits sequence in the zoo, to the devastating storm, to the jellyfish at night, the film has such an incredible look and color pallet that is so warm and inviting that it’s easy to get lost in the story. The screening I saw was in 3D and I couldn’t tell you if it worked or didn’t because I was too drawn in by the film. You’d think a two-hour film about a boy and a tiger in a boat would have a boring story so you’d need the visual stimulation, but you’d be wrong. The visuals add to a story that builds you up, breaks you down, builds you up again, makes you tear up, and leaves you thinking when the film is over.
There is a faith element to the film because before the story begins, Pi tells the novelist “I have a story that will make you believe in God.” When you hear that, you think the story would be faith heavy, but it isn’t; it’s subtle. Yeah the character Pi has a few conversations with God, but it isn’t overblown or shoved down your throat. It’s enough to leave you thinking when the film is over and it makes for some great conversation on the ride home.
The performances across the board are solid and there isn’t a weak link or moment in a story that drags or takes you away from the film. The soundtrack, when it’s there, adds to a film that feels like it can do no wrong. This film needs to be experienced in theaters, 3D or not 3D, do not wait for VOD or Netflix. See this film now!
