Movie Review: Life Of Pi

First thing’s first. I have not read the book. So there’s nothing that I carried in my head other than an image of a boy stuck on a boat in the middle of an ocean and some animals to watch in 3D.
Frankly speaking I did not know what to expect other than the small description that I read on IMDB which says:

“A young man who survives a disaster at sea is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While cast away, he forms an unexpected connection with another survivor ... a fearsome Bengal tiger.”


“Life of Pi” is a movie which, in my opinion, has been wrongly marketed as a 3D movie. It should be called ‘4D’. Well not because of the jaw-dropping special effects and (certainly not because I am high right now) but it’s for a different reason. I would come to that in a moment :)

From the word GO this movie engulfs you in the beauty of its world subtly. The opening sequence of a zoo slowly lets you settle in as the colorful birds and animals fill the screen and then the wonderful story of “Pissing Patel” begins. (Yes you read the name correctly :) )

For the dummies who seek instant gratification, this movie has plenty of “Oh! Look at that” moments to offer. But at its heart, “Life of Pi” is a beautiful slow brooding movie that grows on you.

The cast includes some of the best names in the industry so it’s practically impossible for anything to go wrong in the acting department. Irrfan Khan, Adil Hussain and Tabu are very good in their respective roles. The newcomer “Suraj Sharma” does an incredible job in spite of the fact that he’s facing the camera for the first time.

But the real stand out performance here is from “Richard Parker” the animated Bengal tiger. Filled with articulate menace and genuine helplessness, the character oozes out true human emotions. And it’s easily one of the best animated characters that I completely fell for. Right from its introduction to the final frame of this movie(probably the best I have seen) the tiger keeps you alert and hooked.

This movie fared “very good” in my cards if not for that final twist towards the end where the director does something spectacular. He adds a fourth dimension to the tale(4D). :)

Instead of being a pseudo-intellectual drivel which it could have so easily become, it sticks to entertaining you and then provides you with a twist that deepens everything that you just saw, making it.. “divine” :)

Conclusion: IT WAS FREAKING AWESOMEEEEE! :D