The Life of Pi film (directed by Ang Lee), is an adaptation of the same named novel that award winning Yann Martel wrote. A true reflection of the beautiful story that Martel created, the film is a mesmerizing work of art with its use of poetry, unique camera angles, color palettes, and bold cinematic visuals throughout.
The story is told as a flashback narrative through a much older Piscine, or “Pi” (played by Irrfan Khan). Most of the story takes place on a small life boat that one would find themselves on after an accident on a ship at sea. I don’t want to give away too much of this story. But I will tell you that it’s a story of true struggle of survival on levels of physical, mental, and spiritual well being. In the story, Pi is raised studying Hinduism, takes an interest in Christianity, and then discovers the Islam religion. Even folks who may not agree with the films allegorical views on religion, can find a way to appreciate this true work of art. His genuine characteristic lifestyle interest to explore other viewpoints, and consistently learn is what truly saved his life… and also his co-star Richard Parker.
Most websites, readers, and watchers of the story would easily name the young Indian boy, Pi (played by Suraj Sharma) as the main character… I however, would arguably disagree. To my personal view, his “co-star” in the story is a very unlikely one, that gives him quite a run for an adequate and easy survival. Upon his fellow boat passengers’ initial arrival to the Patel family zoo in Pondicherry, India, there was a minor yet hilarious and symbological error. The shipment paper work got mixed up, and “Richard Parker” was listed as the name of the Bengal Tiger. And “Thirsty” was listed as the name of the hunter that found the cat. So, without questioning it, “Richard Parker” it was, and would forever remain.
Throught the film, Pi is faced with the struggle to survive, befriend-or at least coexist with Richard Parker, and most importantly, to find his way home… all the while, attempting to maintain his sanity.
The Life of Pi is a spiritual odyssey in its entirety, and just without-a-doubt a truly beautiful moral story. This work of art is truly a MUST-SEE!
I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
PLEASE, read the book! And GO SEE THE FILM! 
-Meag
Check out this awesome book of how the movie was made!
Here, you can purchase your copy of the book.
January 31, 2013 at 11:59 am
May have been a bit sloppy in terms of writing, but the visuals are breathtaking and something that will definitely have your eyes advert on the screen the whole time. Good review Megan.
February 2, 2013 at 2:39 pm
Agree wholeheartedly – great movie, great book. Really enjoyed your review.
March 1, 2013 at 3:59 pm
My biggest disappointment with the film was that they left the most important part out of the book…that the most fearsome animal in the zoo is humans.