An enchanting and thought provoking visual delight.

Rating: 9/10 (12 December 2014)

Ang Lee's Life of Pi is one of the most incredible, original, and dare I say magical films I've ever seen. It has the fantastical quality of an Arabian Nights tale, but with depth that would make Bergman or Ozu proud. It boasts some of the most impressive visuals since Avatar, but its true magic comes from the story and the central character. Though the bulk of the film takes place with no changes of scenery and no new characters introduced, it never becomes stale or repetitive. Hollywood has never made anything quite like it before, which is really saying something in this day and age.
As anyone who's seen the trailers can guess, it's the story of a man cast adrift in a lifeboat with a tiger as his only companion. But it is also so much more. It is impossible to fully describe the series of events that lead to Pi's unlikely voyage, but every bit of his life story is fascinating. Before he ever sets sail we've already explored matters of faith, family, and the nature of the human spirit. Of course nothing from his early life compares to his unlikely voyage. Forget what Dos Equis has told you, Piscine Molitor Patel is by far the most interesting man in the world.
There's something magical about watching Pi reach an accord of sorts with the deadly carnivore that he finds himself trapped with. At first the tiger is an object of utter terror, a ravenous beast who drives Pi from the boat to the relative safety of a cobbled together raft. But through a series of mishaps and close calls, their relationship slowly changes from one of fear and violence to one of familiar coexistence and mutual respect, almost a friendship, if such a thing were possible with a fully grown Bengal Tiger. It's rather like the Black Stallion, though with higher stakes and no margin for error.
Nor is the tiger the only danger. Against the constant threats of starvation, thirst, and boredom, Pi's body and spirit are tested to the limits of endurance, and in every case he overcomes. Through determination and ingenuity he provides for his physical needs. In caring for the tiger he finds purpose. And through his belief in a God above he finds the strength and the hope to endure. And how can he not believe. Even adrift with only a deadly predator for company signs of providence are everywhere. Rains come just when water has all but run out. Flying fish arrive like manna from heaven. Were this a true story, it would be enough to make all but the most hardened skeptic believe in God.
The film's positive and prominent depiction of faith is a major strength, but i. Pi is clearly a man of faith, and his belief in God sustains him through his ordeal more than anything else. But even he seems a bit fuzzy as to which god. He describes himself as a Catholic Hindu who is also a Muslim, and the movie seems to take this at face value. At one point his father teases him that if he converts to three more religions every day of the year will be a holiday for him. His father's agnosticism doesn't make him the best source of advice on spiritual matters, but he is right in saying that one who believes in everything may as well believe in nothing. At some point you do have to choose, especially between faiths that make mutually exclusive claims. That said, it is good to see a movie that doesn't treat faith as an anachronism or mere window dressing, even if it is a bit shallow in the treatment.
And I haven't even begun to speak of the visual effects and cinematography. They are simply incredible. Every shot is stunningly beautiful, whether of endless waves and sky or the lush foliage and colorful denizens of an Indian zoo. More beautiful still is Pi's vision of the ocean depths, which leaves reality behind for the realm of human imagination. And this is one film that must be seen in 3D. In full 3D it's almost like you're in the boat with Pi, and the flying fish scene alone is worth the extra money. If this doesn't win best cinematography at the Oscars I will be sorely disappointed.
Ang Lee has truly created a masterpiece here. One that is inspiring, mesmerizing, and greatly rewarding. He's taken a book that was supposed to unfilmable and made it into one of the year's best movies. This is a movie that everyone should see. During the bleakness of winter, it just might be the best way you can spend an afternoon.