What’s it about?
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.
What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says: Like a fine meal, Life Of Pi is better once you sit and reflect upon it. But there’s a fine line between satisfied digestion and an unsettling feeling in your stomach. Visually, this film is majestic and the characterisation wonderful. In fact the early stages provide an unexpected depth and layering that was both thought-provoking and had me salivating for more.
And then it hit the second act with our protagonists adrift and the layering simply disappeared. And suddenly it became quite two-dimensional before two distinctly unexpected moments late in the film – one surreal and one TOO real – left your mind racing.
Only time and reflection will tell if it leaves you a little empty after a few hours or if the platter Ang Lee serves up fills you to the brim. It’s probably not for everyone – and indeed will upset some – but it’s a thoughtful piece for hungry minds.