''Life of Pi'' (2012 movie)- Review

Directed by: Ang Lee
Released: 2012
Country: United States

Starring: Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Tabu, Adil Hussain, Rafe Spall

Genres: Adventure, Drama

Rating: 3 out of 5

Review

There can be no arguing in the fact that ''Life of Pi'' is a visual beauty. The striking cinematography, and the wonderful visual effects are so very beautiful. Other than this, almost no other thing about this movie impressed me. I found it to be a, umm... nothing special film at most times. While I was watching it, at most times, I could feel it's beauty. But next, by the time an hour and a half or so had gone, it felt a really, umm, average movie.

Why is it so? ''Life of Pi'' had no impact on me, the heartwarming tale of the unlikely and surprising companionship between a tiger and a boy may be good, but it seemed neither special nor touching to me. I don't find problems with the length, it is 2 hours long, but many great movies have length that is more than 2 hours. I felt ''Life of Pi'' to be not only far from being great, but also to be nothing really special.

What are the frequent fantasies meant to be? Why are the storm scenes so long, so extended? Couldn't they be short? Of course, they could be, and apparently it would have been a slightly better movie. I don't agree to the widespread acclaim the film is getting. It is certainly a beautiful-looking picture that can be charming at times, but ultimately, it left me with mixed feelings.

''Life of Pi'' is a visual beauty

Most of the film is told in a flashback as the adult Pi Patel (Irrfan Khan) narrates the tale of his survival in the sea after a shipwreck, and also explains the surprising fact that during the days when he struggled with the sea for survival, his only companion was a tiger with whom he formed a companionship.

The first parts of the movie can be delightfully entertaining as Pi Patel and his family is shown. His father was the owner of a zoo. One day, his father is forced to sell the zoo for some problems and the family has to move to Canada. While they are on their way to Canada on a ship, a terrible storm starts in the sea, and ultimately, after the shipwreck, because of circumstances, Pi is trapped in the middle of the sea and he is in a lifeboat with a fierce tiger, Richard Parker. Then begins a tale of survival, struggles, and an unlikely friendship.

The film impressed and entertained me at the first parts. Occasionally it was scary and thrilling when the tiger suddenly growled. And it was entertaining. The film is really an exceptionally well-made one. The stunning cinematography, and the beautiful scores are too much excellent. Visual beauty of this film is noteworthy. The editing is so excellent.

But overall, despite the touching elements in the film, it didn't have much impact on me. I wasn't very touched. It might be an excellently-made film, but I found it to be just an average entertainer.

3 out of 5