Well… I have this fortunate habit of TOTALLY forgetting that I have read a book… or maybe remembering that I have read a book, knowing that I liked it, but not being able to remember either what happened or how it ended – great for watching the film of the book, without spoiling the pleasure of one or the other experience. And so it was with the Life of Pi and the movie of the Life of Pi. Hooray for poor memory (I actually think that as I read for pleasure, my head empties out, I get drawn into the book and I switch off… once the book is finished, I move onto the next… is that a good way of reading? I don’t know! But it is economical as I get to enjoy the same book again a few years later!).
In summary: I film worth seeing.
The Life of Pi film info:
- Length 127 min
- PG
- Director: Ang Lee
- Starring: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Tabu
Synopsis: The Life of Pi is the incredible story of an adolescent boy, who is the sole survivor of a ship wreck and finds himself on a life boat with a Bengal tiger – which was being carried on the ship as cargo. The story tells of how the two survive. There is a twist at the end, which leaves you wondering whether it is all true or not.
Well.. overall, the movie really was good. A day later, and I have flashbacks to some gorgeously shot scenes – the luminescent waters, the reflecting stars, the fierce tiger. It is a very visual film. The story line and the characters are engaging. The actors are fantastic and you are left admiring the very well trained tiger. However, a large part of the story is, about a boy and a tiger, on a boat in the middle of the ocean. And there were one or two slightly “enough already, lets see what happens next” moments. I had high expectations for the film (it has been heavily promoted with great reviews), which I find always makes it harder for the film to actually meet those expectations. I think, if I had not seen or heard anything about it, I would have loved it. But because I had, I thought it was very well done, but not “as amazing” as everyone says.
To 3D or not to 3D
We inadvertently went to the 3D screen of the film. It costs almost 50% more when you have to still buy the 3D glasses, so I do think you have to be very “into” 3D movies to justify the additional cost. The opening scenes (of the Zoo) benefited greatly from 3D and were quite beautiful. However, I didn’t feel that the 3D effect contributed THAT much to the rest of the film – not to justify the additional 50%. I would have been just as happy with the normal 2D version.
Take a peak at the preview of the Life of Pi:
So… my overall ratings:
Would my husband like this film? I think he just might.
Likeability of characters – 9/ 10 (fantastic main character)
General story line – 8/10 (I enjoyed the original and I enjoyed the book, however, there was the odd lull in the middle of the film)
The Ending – 9/10 (very good)
Overall? I would definitely recommend both the book and the film. The book slightly more than the film. Maybe my expectations of greatness where set, which always makes it harder for the film to live up to it.
I would love to see this. Not read the book yet, and it’s on my list of ‘should reads’ because it’s such a famous classic. My husband went to see the film in 3D but I can’t see 3D stuff because of the ways my eyes work! (squint/strabismus = no 3D vision!)
Oooh you must go and see it! But don’t worry about the 3D bit, I think it added little -so you should be able to perfectly enjoy it in to 2D too! Highly recommend the book too!
Thanks for the review. I struggled with the book, but am tempted to see the film. From what you say, it sounds very visual, think I need to see the tiger (for once, he looks much better than I pictured myself).