Review of Life of Pi (2012) by Eric M — 08 May 2015

An incredibly powerful visceral, emotional and spiritual tale with some fascinating philosophical and moral threads to tease out. This is a rare bird of a film, simultaneously dark and light, wildly optimistic and oppressively bleak, delightfully honest and frustratingly tricky. "Life of Pi" makes for an engrossing, unique cinematic experience that revels in the realm of fairy tale. I really enjoyed how this film took the "castaway" storyline and played with it in some fascinating ways. The Bengal tiger element adds an element of danger, unfamiliar tension, and sublime beauty that is hard to compare it with.

There are also several sequences full of stunning beauty and power. The sinking of the ship, for instance, is a remarkably powerful visual moment, and Pi's reflection on the role of loss in human existence is emotive and potent. A complex story,hopeful and doubtful at the same time, "Life of Pi" is more than worth a viewing, even if its ambition oversteps Lee's abilities from time to time, such ambition is to be admired and cherished. The use of light and color, as well, is incredible.