Friday, November 23, 2012

I Love Pi

I did a post back in August when I saw the trailer for Life of Pi, Ang Lee's adaptation of Yann Martel's novel. I love the book, and the trailer had my expectations sky high. That's usually a recipe for disappointment, but after seeing the movie on opening night, I'm happy to report that Life of Pi is awesome. As in, it inspires awe.

Most of the reviews highlight the film's look, and there is no doubt that this is one of the most visually intriguing movies I've ever seen. I read they used four real tigers for different shots in the movie, and the CGI is so good, it's hard to tell when the tiger is real or computer-generated.

While I'm not a fan of 3D, I have to say, it gives the movie an added texture that accentuates already beautiful imagery. I'll probably go to the movie again, without 3D, and it'll be interesting to compare.

Suraj Sharma is great as the teenage Pi. He is the only human actor on screen for a big chunk of the movie, and he commands your attention. Irrfan Khan packs an emotional punch as the adult Pi. Khan's face is so expressive, he makes you feel.

I don't want to get into the plot too much. If you've read the book, you already know, and if you haven't, the less you know the better. Two central themes resonate in Pi's story: Faith and Doubt. As Pi searches for the presence of God, we are right there with him. That's the beauty of this movie, it shows us a young man's journey, and challenges us to take it with him.

I'm glad Ang Lee took me on that journey, and you will be too.
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9 comments:

  1. SultanNovember 23, 2012 at 1:21 PM

    Ang Lee is a genius.

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    1. trilesNovember 24, 2012 at 11:29 AM

      Agreed. It took a real visionary to bring the book to the screen.

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  2. Cathy Olliffe-WebsterNovember 23, 2012 at 2:29 PM

    I love pi, too. And pie. Can hardly wait to see the movie!!!!

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    1. trilesNovember 24, 2012 at 11:30 AM

      Come back and let me know what you think after you see it.

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    2. Cathy Olliffe-WebsterDecember 30, 2012 at 4:43 PM

      Tim! I FINALLY saw Life of Pi last night, in 3D, and wow, it had to be one of the best movies I've ever seen. You're right, visually it was stunning. But the movie followed the book with dignity and respect and, you're right, it was AWE-some. I took my husband, who usually only likes action flicks, and my 12 year old son, who is hard-pressed to leave videogames for even a moment, and both were bowled over.

      I never forgot your post and after the movie was over last night, one of the first things I thought was that I'd have to drop by your blog and tell you what I thought.

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    3. trilesDecember 31, 2012 at 10:32 AM

      Thanks for coming back to share. I remember that you loved the book, so I'm really glad you loved the movie. And it's awesome that your husband and son enjoyed it as well. I went with my in-laws, my mom, my wife and daughters-it was a real family event. I hope lots of families see it together.

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  3. David MacaulayNovember 26, 2012 at 7:53 PM

    Haven't read the book but looks worth reading. My daughter's keen on seeing the movie, although I'm not sure if it's 8-year-old suitable.

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  4. AnitaDecember 4, 2012 at 8:08 AM

    There are so many great books out there that I'd like to read, but realistically, it'll be a while before I get beyond reading 2 books per month. In the mean time, I should hit the movie theaters. I'll take you word that this is a good one!

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  5. James (SeattleDad)December 17, 2012 at 1:48 PM

    I wonder if they will have re-made it in 4D by the time this new dad gets to see a film again.

    Glad it lived up to it's billing. Looks great in the preview.

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