Unusual and Enthralling!

Rating: 7/10 (21 January 2013)

I had not read the book and so came to this movie without preconceptions. We saw it in 3D and there are many visually stunning moments that really work in this format. One marvels at the technical ingenuity of the film-makers and the imagination of the story's author. Superb acting from Suraj Sharma, as the adult Pi, who must have spent an awful lot of his time during the making of this film soaking wet!
The movie would have attracted a higher rating from me but for a few failings. It was too long and could have been shortened to good effect; the plot is not as tightly constructed as it could have been; and the ending is something of an anti-climax. After all the drama and visual fireworks that precede them, the closing scenes verge on the dull, which is a great shame as there is much that is brilliant here.
It must have been a great challenge translating this tale from the book page to the cinema screen. The result has certainly produced a unique and very enjoyable viewing experience.
(Viewed at The Cornerhouse, Manchester, UK, 13.01.13)