“Life of Pi” Review

Ang Lee’s “Life of  Pi” is a story of belief and doubt played over 227 days lost at sea.  It is a truly lovely and thoughtful film with some of the most spectacular visuals of any film in recent years.  I cannot imagine anyone not finding something to admire here.  It is one of the best films of 2012.

A grown Pi Patel recounts his heroic story of survival to a writer, who is intrigued when he is told that the incredible tale would kindle his belief in God.  So Pi begins his story as a child in India, living with his family and running a zoo.  When they decide to relocate across the world to Canada, they set sail aboard a Japanese freight ship.  Tragically, four days into the journey, a storm sinks the ship and leaves Pi stranded on a lifeboat with an orangutan, a zebra, a hyena and a Bengal tiger.

The journey is for the film (or acclaimed novel by Yann Martel) to tell.  I can only let you know that it is a powerful story of survival against all odds and a beautiful allegory of trust, love, faith, doubt and hope.  “Life of Pi” has the power to make you truly think about your faith or lack thereof.  It has the skill to make you reconsider what “truth” really means.  It is an elegantly profound masterpiece of storytelling that entertains as well as enlightens.  The ending is open to as many interpretations as there are viewers — and that is no small feat.  “Life of Pi” is a great story, no matter which ending you choose to believe.