A beautiful and deep philosophical journey

Rating: 9/10 (20 January 2013)

The trailers for this film make it seem like a Disney talking animal film or at best one of those arty magic-realism snorefests. But this is not about plant-boy or button-gump.
Instead this is an original and enjoyable exploration of the different ways to view the journey of life. Rationalism and spirituality, deduction and inspiration, science and art, Krishna and Christ are not all that different but are compatible manifestations of and portals to the same underlying truth.
Life of Pi does this not with a dry lecture, but through a gripping journey and tale of survival that stands on its own without the metaphysical underpinnings.
I did find the beginning out of place though very beautifully shot. The ending was a bit heavy handed (as was Pi reading "L'etranger") but maybe Ang Lee knows his audience and that he has to tell them what it is about. And even the book makes absolutely sure we "get it" by naming the tiger Richard Parker.
In the end an excellent film that both entertains and provokes thought. Much much better than the silly trailers would lead you to believe.