Review: Life Of Pi

Review 2012 by RD Clark

 

Title

Life Of Pi

 

Written by:  David Magee, from the novel by Yann Martel

Directed by: Ang Lee

Starring: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Rafe Spall, Gérard Depardieu, Tabu

Rated PG
Running time: 125 mins

When a family that owns a zoo in India decides to move to Canada, their ship sinks, leaving one of their children stranded in a lifeboat with a zebra, an orangutan and a hyena. If that wasn’t bad enough, they are joined by a tiger. The boy’s journey is a story of survival of both body and spirit.

First of all, I would NOT bring small children to this. There is a horrific scene around the animals in the lifeboat that gave ME nightmares. And the continual metaphysical discourse might bore the smaller kids.

Otherwise, wow! A spectacle of a movie with beautiful scenery (a cinch for an Oscar for Cinematography), and a deep, meaningful look into Pi and ourselves as we are stranded with Pi and the tiger, Richard Parker. Just when the film seems to slow down, something wonderful happens. Settle in and enjoy.

One thing I did not like, and thought a bit unnecessary, I cannot mention as it would be a major spoiler. But you’ll know it when you see it.

Otherwise, a wondrous film and I do recommend it. I did not see it in 3D, but if I go see it again — and I might — I will.

Flytrap rating: 8 / 10

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