Directed by: Ang Lee
Written by: David Magee (screenplay), Yann Martel (novel)
Starring: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain
Alright, I had no honest idea what to expect from this movie, which is exactly how I like to watch a movie for the first time, so let's get right into it.
I'm going to gush a little here and say hot damn, what an amazing movie. This may not be the best movie new movie I have watched so far, but it is easily my favourite. This is a movie that reminds you that films are art, because every frame looks like something worth hanging in a gallery. I cannot overstate how good this movie is to look at, but it's also got such an incredibly moving story to tell, a spiritual journey that brought a tear to my eye on more than one occasion.
Alright, let me compose myself.
*Warning: Potential Spoilers Ahead*
The film portrays the story of Piscine Molitor Patel, who creates the nickname 'Pi' for himself, as he recounts it to a writer who was told Pi had a story for him that would make him believe in God (Sharma is in the story, Khan recounts it). At first Pi recounts his early life, the story of how he earned his nickname, his family and the zoo they own, and his encounters with God as he learns of the Hindu, Christian, and Islamic religions. This section of the film colours the whole story with happiness, and it makes what happens next so much more challenging to watch.
The zoo goes broke, so Pi's father insist that the family must move their animals to Canada. They embark on a ship, and en route, a storm hits, and Pi is the only person to survive on a lifeboat, along with a zebra, a hyena, an orangutan, and a tiger. From here, we are shown a harrowing trial to live, as Pi struggles to survive, and in turn struggles with his faith in God.
The tale may sound strange, but I urge anyone who reads this to go watch this movie, and if you have, to go watch it again. The story is one of that builds hope slowly, and even when that hope comes crashing down, never diminishes entirely. It's meaningful and heartfelt, as Pi's battle with his beliefs reflects his struggle to survive in the same way the ocean mirrors the sky above.
All of this is depicted dazzlingly by fanciful visuals. The film's artistic style creates these deep images that you could just lose yourself in. I was awestruck by the way Lee manages to create shots that contained the lifeboat, the sky above it and the sea below it, this vast emptiness for Pi that still contained life all around him. I really am not sure how to describe it much more with words, it really is something that deserves to be seen.
That said, one of the movie's only jarring points is the few moments where the aspect ratio changes. It seems to be for the sake of a better shot, but it's so suddenly implemented that I couldn't help but be momentarily thrown by the temporary changes.
The Verdict: Life of Pi is a truly beautiful experience of a movie. Its visuals are astounding, and its themes of hope, God and what we choose to believe are explored beautifully in Pi's effort to exist. I recommend this movie to anyone looking to be moved by a powerful and fantastic story; even if you aren't, watch it just to take in the view. I even think this is suitable for younger audiences, though they might find some of the scenes with the tiger a little frightening. For the sake of your own experience, try and see it in 3-D.
Rating: 8.5/10
Published July 17th, 2016
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