Review of Life of Pi (2012) by Brett C — 09 Jul 2014

I have seen this film 3 times now, and each time I go in I think maybe this film would have lose its power on me but it surprises me and keeps me locked in with every single viewing. Life of Pi is definitely Ang Lee's masterpiece.

Life of Pi is essentially a film that tackles the power of spirituality and rationality of life. Pi is a young man starts off as a boy who found spirituality, following not one but at least three as his curiosity and the depth of religion have attracted him to a perspective that gave his life meaning; but his father kept him grounded to reality, teaching him that rationality and science unlocks the meaning and progression of life. Then suddenly he and his family have to move away from India, sailing by boat to Canada. When the boat sinks, Pi was able to keep himself alive in a lifeboat with a tiger, orangutan, hyena and a zebra. He is then left to try and survive in the isolated ocean, while also undertaking a journey that would open his perspective of the meaning of life.

Pi's life before the accident has been empty as his family, particularly his father, has wiped away the one thing that made his life seem beautiful and with a sense of purpose. When the accident happened, he was sent out to face the dangers of the world, which required him to survive by making decisions based on either spirituality or rationality. His journey is a fight of two different life values, and the winner would determine how he would then live his life when he returns safely.

Pi's feelings during this journey go back and forth. There are times where he believes that the animals he is on board with have souls and are equal in value. Other times he follows the principles of nature which requires him to set an order of hierarchy and allow Richard Parker to learn his place, which is below him. Pi learns that life isn't led by one set of values and one can gain the best of both worlds in order to survive in this world. I myself can relate to his struggles, as I am at a crossroads in my life where two of the most important figures in my life have given me paths to choose from. Unlike Pi, I am still in the middle of my journey, taking in things around me that would eventually shape me the person I would be later on.

Pi near the end of his journey reaches to an island that saved his life, but figures out that the island is a carnivorous organism and the longer he stays; the less likely he is able to get out of there alive. This part of the film wasn't clear to me during my two previous viewings. The way I see this scene, is that Pi was saved by god and that he was presented with paradise, but nothing in this world is ever that wonderful, and the more he indulges himself in it, the more likely he would die from it; kind of like alcohol and drugs, one gets a sense of euphoria during the first few times of consumption but with prolonged use one starts to deteriorate.

The film's third act provides the audience with two stories that one could decide which one sounds more appealing. The first story is remarkable but logic is not of great importance, while the second tale details a realistic side of the story. Both tales actually sound appropriate for me, but the film gives us a choice on which story we would believe. Is everything we were just shown actually the truth, or was it manipulated by his hallucinations and delusions, using symbolism in order to cope with the stress of the situation. I couldn't let myself choose which the definitive tale is, as my current position in life and the values I follow determine my decision.

Ang Lee provides us with drop dead gorgeous visuals but he doesn't allow it to overwhelm the film's story and ideas, instead it is present to support it. Most of my feelings towards the film were sparked by these visuals and without it; the film wouldn't have been able to get the film's ideas across. If one is just planning to watch this film at a superficial level, the visuals are enough to keep your attention locked and be amazed. The film also features a memorable score that elevated the film's story, creating this gentle and touching atmosphere that, again like the visuals, supported the film's deep themes.

The acting in this film was powerful with an impressive performance from Suraj Sharma. I never expected someone who was new to the profession to be this great. I developed this sense of connection with the character and his issues, and a lot of the credit goes towards the acting. I know the tiger in this film was for the most part in CGI but the artists did a wonderful job in making him come to life. I was actually able to connect with a tiger that doesn't speak any dialogue, I felt every single emotion that the tiger was trying to convey and it just astonishes me that the film was able to do this. Hats off to the team responsible for making this character come to life.

I don't want to give this review a long and detailed conclusion, instead I'm just going to write a short sentence that summarises my feelings towards the film. Life of Pi is a beautiful and powerful film.