Monday, January 14, 2013

Movie Review ... Life Of Pi

 

life-of-pi-posterAng Lee has been a director unafraid in pushing boundaries.  Whether it was bringing the Hulk to the screen or earning praise for ‘Brokeback Mountain’, he has placed his own stamp on various genres.  ‘Life of Pi’ continues this trend examining issues of faith and humanity.  Mixing some stunning CGI and good use of 3D, its portrayal of events forces the viewer to make their own interpretation.  While occasionally not quite successful in this regard, utilising the brain whilst being dazzled by the visuals is something Lee effectively accomplishes.

Pi Patel (Suraj Sharma) is an Indian teenager helping out at the family zoo.  When his father decides to start a new life in Canada he is distraught.  Not wanting to move, he reluctantly boards the ship with the zoo’s animals for the trip.  Sadly a freak storm quashes any dreams and Pi finds himself in a lifeboat with his loved ones gone.  He isn’t alone however as a Bengal Tiger which he names Richard Parker becomes his fearsome travelling companion.  Learning to live with each other while searching for help, what transpires is an odyssey forever changing Pi’s existence.

Based on Yann Martel’s novel ‘Life of Pi’ is an interesting look at what it means to maintain hope.  As Pi struggles to survive the endless days in the ocean, he spurns himself on by maintaining faith.  One who dabbled in various religions, their various contradictions give him an odd form of strength.  With the story based on biblical allegories it also examines why some accept a form of truth fitting in with their own beliefs.  Lee is careful not to become too preachy however although the layers of the tale are there for those wanting to discover them.

With a simple and yet strong story, ‘Life of Pi’ is backed by some remarkable visuals.  These help to convey Pi’s emotions as he goes through his many ordeals and how his imagination also keeps him sane.  His interaction with the tiger almost becomes touching with both needing the other to survive.  The sequences between them are the most memorable aspect even if the pacing tends to sometimes stop at a stand-still.

‘Life of Pi’ adds another interesting slant on Lee’s career.  Nobody can say he isn’t diverse with his latest work re-enforcing his reputation for delivering thoughtful productions.

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Movie Review Rating out of 10:  7

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

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THE MAKING OF LIFE OF PI

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