Life of Pi: A gripping story of friendship and love
The much-awaited film Life of Pi — a thought-provoking project that makes you debate the existence of God and ponder over human values — released on November 21.
Director Ang Lee sets out to convey this message through his protagonist Pi Patel, in a visually powerful and aesthetic film. Lee seamlessly amalgamates God’s three creations — man, animal and nature in a tale of animal instinct vs intrinsic human values of trust and friendship. Pi is crestfallen as he witnesses his companions, the zebra, hyena, an orangutan and many more gradually lose their fight for survival and he is left with Richard Parker, a Royal Bengal Tiger, as his sole companion.
The 17-year-old Pi’s trials and tribulations with Richard Parker after he loses his entire family in a storm, take up the maximum screen time. But as a viewer you don’t complain. Engrossing and a visual indulgence, you enjoy every moment, stretched with cinematic liberty and fantasy.
There is a right balance of drama and brilliant visual effects as Pi’s struggle unfolds as a never-ending saga on screen. The entertainment value may be low during parts of Pi’s voyage, but Lee compensates for it by the rich technical excellence he uses. Whether it is the turbulence of the storm, or the flying fish or innumerable meerkats lining an island, Lee holds you completely.
Suraj Sharma, as an adolescent Pi, steals the thunder from all other veteran actors, in an honest and spontaneous portrayal. Irrfan Khan is flawless as a narrator and older Pi, reliving his early days in Pondicherry, and narrating his ordeal on the Pacific.
The teary-eyed Pi seeking meanings in Richard Parker’s betrayal is touching. Tabu as the mother effortlessly sails through her role, but it is her husband, Adil Hussain, whose true-to-life delineation as the owner of the zoo, conversant with life’s lessons and eager to have his sons imbibe those, is convincing. Ayush Tandon, the youngest Pi, is adorable and confident. In a nutshell, the film is a serving of a tight script seasoned with commendable acting.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 23rd, 2012.
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I would say the book was at best.......different. I don't really think I would like to see the movie, although just the name Ang Lee makes a good excuse to do so.