Life of Pi

Release Date: Nov 21, 2012  
Runtime: 2 hr. 5 min. 
Director: Ang Lee 
Cast: Suraj Sharma, Irfan Khan, Tabu, Rafe Spall, Gérard Depardieu.

This year in cinema has been full of ocular exuberance, from the superhero-laden "The Avengers" to the multi-periodic "Cloud Atlas." But none has ignited the screen quite like Ang Lee's "Life of Pi," an incredible journey that brims with heart and imagination. Based on the best-selling novel about a boy lost at sea, the film explores the ulterior lining between faith and reasoning. As much a spiritual tale as it is one of bravery, it recounts the events from his fledgling childhood to his enlightened adulthood. And it is there that the story begins, eventually culminating in the life-altering tragedy that ultimately becomes an awakening. Ang Lee takes us on a vivid ride through the colorful landscapes of India and to the depths of the majestic Pacific. By way of dazzling effects and intelligent use of 3D, he captures an ethereal world in a place that's as vacant as the sea. The sheer scope of it is enough to create a sense of wonder, similar to watching an episode of Discovery's "Planet Earth" but at a far superior scale. Be that as it may, the theme of the film is prone to speculation, as some may find it more preaching than others. The topic of faith, while an overarching aspect, is not the sole purpose of the film however, and it takes one with an open mind to see past that. Suraj Sharma as the titular Pi projects an inexperienced youth on the brink of self-discovery. As he had no prior acting experience to the role, he plays to the best of his aptitude, albeit neither above or below expectations. In any case, "Life of Pi" will surely amass a great deal of accolades in the upcoming months. Whether you choose to believe or not is entirely up to you.

Rating: 4½ stars