- a magical journey
I actually started reading the book
when the film was yet to be released but couldn’t finish it. After few chapters,
I started to wonder how all this can be visualized in the big screen. But after
watching the movie, the answer is simply asstttounnndding.
Life of Pi is
an adventure film based on Yann Martel’s novel of the same name. The story is about this young boy, Piscine Patel alias Pi, son
of a zoo owner living in Pondicherry ,
India . The
family decides to move the zoo to Canada , getting a ride on a huge Japanese
cargo ship. On their way, the ship wrecks. After that, Pi finds himself
adrift in the Pacific Ocean on a lifeboat with a wounded zebra, a hyena, an
orangutan and a huge Bengal tiger named Richard Parker, all fighting for
survival, with a notebook n pencil to jot down his experiences, and few supplies
of drinking water n biscuits to feed him.
How did he survive the sail with the
wild animals on board? This is the basic storyline, where director Ang Lee adapts the novel so beautifully with amazing
visual effects what Yann Martel did
with words. As finally when Pi and Richard Parker left to struggle for their survival,
they are pushed into a grand adventure and a spiritual voyage. We almost wish
that the journey never ends with an entire spectrum of terrifying storms, scary
lightning, thundering rain, dazzling rainbow added with those flying school of fishes,
sharks, dolphins and those million cute meerkats carpeting the floating algae island,
and all those colorfully glowing creatures of the dark sea. Wow. If the
imagination through the novel was a fantasy, then the filmy version was
magically realistic. It is such a tale that all the innovation feels right at
home in a story where dreams and reality blend into one.
‘Then
the elderly man said, ‘I have a story that will make you believe in God’ ‘Does
your story take place two thousand years ago in a remote corner of the Roman Empire ?’ – I asked. ‘Was he some sort of Muslim
evangelist? Does it take place in seventh-century Arabia ?’
‘No, no. It starts right here in Pondicherry
just a few years back, and it ends, I am delighted to tell you, in the very
country you come from.’ ‘And it will make me believe in God?’ ‘Yes.’
This is how n where the actual story of Pi Patel begins. Infact, I completed reading the final parts of the book after watching the movie. I wasn't very much into it for the first few chapters but only after the part 2, with its ceaselessly clever narration, I started to involve with the book. And when I reached the island with the meerkats, wow, I was in an awe state already.
This is how n where the actual story of Pi Patel begins. Infact, I completed reading the final parts of the book after watching the movie. I wasn't very much into it for the first few chapters but only after the part 2, with its ceaselessly clever narration, I started to involve with the book. And when I reached the island with the meerkats, wow, I was in an awe state already.
The final chapters were more powerful.
There was certainly a sad feeling, but at the same time there was definitely an
uplifting sense to it. Dealing with a serious subject on screen and still being able to
make the audience laugh is something truly admirable. The spiritual questions
rose about the beliefs based on religion are philosophical and thought
provoking. Does God exist? This adventure of Pi leads him and also us to the knowledge of
God’s existence.
The story teaches us how to survive
even at the worst situation. God's will is always unpredictable. Just when we
lose hope, He makes us assured He is watching and is there to help us, thru
human or animal or something else. God never gives us challenges which we can
not face. And in this story, God never left Pi alone even when he thought he
was abandoned. God gave him all the strength and courage to move on and survive the trial,
in the form of the tiger, his only companion throughout the journey.
The film’s casting was perfect. Irfan Khan with his subtle and awesome acting
as always and the way he delivers his dialogues takes on a journey thru out was
cool and Tabu was brilliant in her
role. The actor who played the father role was also really good. Suraj Sharma who played the young Pi,
can’t ask for a better debut. He made use of it so well. We have Gérard Depardieu in a minor role as the
ship’s cook but it made the point at the end what this role can do to Pi’s
story.
The visual effect of Richard Parker was
simply cool. It should be noted for the best supporting cast in Oscars. J The cinematography is a delight to watch with the places and
sceneries, especially with the 3D effect.
For me, it’s usually hard to read a
book especially after seeing the movie, but in this case, I wanted to complete the
book and I think it’s worth it. Both the book n the film made
me speechless even after it ends. The movie may not be like Avatar as they
said. But this film in its own way is a masterpiece filled with humor and sorrow
that bring tears to eyes.
The book is a good read. And the movie is a must watch. Preferably in 3D. and more than once.. my rating.. 4.7/5
Very few castaways can claim to have survived so long at sea as Mr. Pi Patel, and none in the company of an adult
im gona watch this film without any company... so i could enjoy to the fullest :P
ReplyDeletehmm.. dont take any company or for sure you will become more talkative ;-)
DeleteAmazing...though i have neither seen the movie nor read the book...but am so much enthusiastic by now that i will go for it sooner or later...!!!
ReplyDeleteCool. Enjoy the movie experience in the cinemas :)
DeleteI have a similar story to tell....I read the book in the 1st week of November and saw the film in the final week of the month....I also read my personal review of the book (you can check out in my blog) but thankfully the film was impressive as well and very true to the book.
ReplyDeleteI was very disappointed with the way the directors had tampered with the Harry Potter films from 4th film onwards.
Beautiful post, your description brought the movie back with such an ease. I should read the book.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Keep smiling,
Lakshmi