The story of The Life of Pi, originally a best selling novel by Yann Martel, continues to show great success as an adventure film. The Ang Lee film depicts main character, ‘Pi’ played by Suraj Sharma, and his journey of discovery with starring roles from Gérard Depardieu and Slumdog Millionaire’s Irrfan Khan.
The movie itself is a story within a story telling the miraculous life of of a young Inidan boy. The audience follows the main character, Piscine Molitor “Pi” Patel, through his early life as the ambiguous teen explores many different avenues of spiritually. The story takes a comical side as Pi finds himself following Hinduism, Christianity and Islam, while especially admiring Atheism.
To his despair Pi, his family and family owned zoo are forced to voyage to North America for financial stability.
The story takes a drastic turn when their ship encounters a collasal storm. Leaving his family behind, Pi is forced to share rescue on a lifeboat with a hungry Bengal tiger, whom he named Richard Parker. Their journey for an opportune fate through seemingly impossible circumstance of survival together depicts an incredible story.
The beautiful scenery alone is enough reason to invest an evening to see Life of Pi. It has award winning visual effect and introduces a new technique from Taiwan called CAVE (Cloud Animation and Visual Effects). Because of this film’s advanced effects the audience is easily entraced into Pi’s conflict as if it were their own. The element of suspense is greatly portrayed keeping the audience on the edge of their seat with an overall captivating experience. For that reason, Life of Pi, is one you shouldn’t wait till DVD release to see.
Suraj Sharma deserves to be recognized for his outstanding perfomace as ‘Pi’. With his successful portrayal many would be surprised to know this was his first acting experience. Pi’s character is very relatable to the average teen and all curious individuals alike. Pi embodies an adventurus, risk taking, sprirt as he transcends many expectations and beliefs.
The story takes a turn in the end leaving the audience to question he truth about Pi’s remarkable story. The film invites the audience to believe their own interpretation of the story. Pi tells two very different interpretations of his ship-reck survival but I think Pi’s transcendental spirit encourages viewers to practice their own faith-believing in somehting you have no proof of- no matter what it may be.
This film deals with motifs pertaining to hope, survival, loss, sacrifice, malevolence, and humanity.
Not only is it an escape to an enchanting world, but gives onea fresh perspective on the world around him. Life of Pi is one of the most intriguing films of the year. For those who like thought provoking movies, Life of Pi is simply a must-see.
