Movie Review: Life of Pi

If there's one thing that film critics largely agree on when it comes to the box office surprise Life of Pi, it's the film's stunning and state-of-the-art visual effects, which make it a cut above the rest.

And while 3-D viewing is now commonplace when it comes to films, there are very few – if any – movies that utilize the technology so masterfully as Life of Pi. Visually, the movie is a captivating work of art.

At the center of the film is Piscine Molitor “Pi” Patel, a Canadian immigrant from India who is prompted by a visiting reporter to recount his life-altering trip overseas.

Many years ago, when Pi was 16, Pi’s father made the decision to close the zoo that the family owned in Pondicherry, India, and to move the family and the animals to Canada to start a new life. During the trip, however, the freighter carrying them encounters a storm that ultimately sinks it.

In the storm’s aftermath, Pi finds himself to be the sole human survivor, having managed to escape on a lifeboat amid the chaos. To make matters worse, a Bengal tiger that Pi had come to fear growing up has also managed to stow away on the lifeboat.

So marks the beginning of a journey of adventure and discovery fraught with perils, wonders, and trials. The wonders, in particular, make the film worth considering – though the story's mixed views on faith and God warrant a word of caution to Christian moviegoers who are more interested in the themes and messages presented in the films they watch.

With the help of acclaimed filmmaker Ang Lee, the award-winning book thought by many to be impossible for film adaptation has been brought to life. Over the five-day Thanksgiving weekend, the film further proved its worth, debuting at No. 5 at the box office and raking in over $22.5 million.

For those looking to be dazzled by fantastical cinematography, Life of Pi will not disappoint.

By Kenneth Chan

Published: November 29 , 2012