“Life of Pi” is a stunning visual experience that will make audiences laugh, cry and cheer. (Poster property of Rhythm & Hues, FOX 2000 Pictures & 20th Century FOX)
By: Jacob Elyachar
One film that is generating a lot of buzz is Ang Lee’s spectacular Life of Pi, which is based upon Yann Martel’s 2001 novel of the same name.
Life of Pi centers focuses on Canadian immigrant Pi Patel (Irfan Khan [adult]; Suraj Sharma [at age 16]) and how he retells his life story to a writer who is visiting him.
A majority of Pi’s story is spent on how he escaped a fatal boat accident that kills his family, while they were on their way to Canada. Eventually, the audience will learn how Pi spent 227 days out on a lifeboat alone with a feral Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.
What makes this film an incredible visual experience is the combination between Claudio Miranda’s beautiful cinematography and Rhythm & Hues Studios’ stunning visual effects. Moviegoers will instantly be transported along the lifeboat with Pi and Richard Parker while seeing the visual delights and wonders of Martel’s world.
Another important kudo should go to Suraj Sharma for delivering a strong performance as the 16-year-old Pi. He delivered so much emotion as the young man who fought for survival as he made his journey towards North America. When you do see Life of Pi, pay attention to his scenes with Richard Parker because this author has a feeling that it could be part of his reel during the upcoming award season.
Final thoughts and grade: This movie is an outstanding visual experience that will be a contender for dozens of entertainment awards and people should run (not walk) to see this film. A+
Great review! After having such low expectations of the movie, I’m glad that I went and saw it. Life of Pi was a brilliant story that managed to be successful despite being made after the book. The graphics were amazing as well. I saw it with one of my DISH coworkers and we would recommend seeing it for sure. I can’t wait to see it again! I’ve already added Life of Pi to my queue on Blockbuster @Home from DISH, since it’s available a month before RedBox. Thanks for the review!