Of Faith and Surviving It

Rating: Null/10 (25 September 2013)

As a personal rule, I don't watch movies based on books first before reading the book itself. That always works for me. And that's what I did with Life of Pi. But let me tell you, reading the book and watching the movie are both different experiences. Although majority of the things written in the book are captured in the movie, I tend not to compare and contrast. Have I done such, I would have keep on looking for some scenes that should be there and would have kept asking why some scenes were not shown. Then I won't enjoy the movie at all.
Life of Pi tells us about a 16-year old boy, Piscine Molitor Patel or (as he insisted in the movie) Pi. His family owns a zoo which gives a great influence to his interest in animals. But one animal interests him more than other animals combined, a Bengal Tiger named Richard Parker (tiger's got a name, huh?)
Tough time hits India and Pi's father decides they move to Canada. The ship crosses a storm that causes the ship to sink and Pi's family to die. Pi finds himself alone but it takes a while before reality starts kicking in.
Nothing much is altered from the book but watching the movies is like watching another adventure unfold before you. If you're good at shutting your brain from memories while they flash before you, good on you! But you don't really have to with this film. In fact, it helps putting colors to your imagination and putting a face to Pi's name. The latter, I warmly welcomed knowing that is the Pi I am waiting for.
Talking about the specifics, there is no question about the cinematography. It's a straight 10/10. When I finally got to the part where Pi discovers an island with meerkats and edible plants, I am at a loss for words. It's perfectly captured. The photography is another thing. I have to say it really did great in setting certain moods in most scenes. Making the film in 3-D is another cinematic feat for the movie. The choice is both daring and a worthy venture. The visual effects are impeccable and almost made me wish I was there with Pi notwithstanding the dangers from the huge Richard Parker and the ocean.
The development of characters, especially that of Pi and Richard Parker, is another asset of the film. Pi is a young man faced with an adult's trials. I like that the chosen actor (Shuraj Sharma) has done justice to the character of Pi. When he is deprived of his right to mourn and has to struggle to survive, I mourned for him. When he finally gets the chance, his mourning was heart-wrenching.
The most dominant symbolism is Richard Parker. We all have Richard Parkers in life. It may not be a Bengal Tiger but it could be something bigger, more dangerous, and heavier.
Life of Pi is about survival, life, and faith, in no particular order. These themes are universal languages that appeal to human emotions. With that, you get a movie which will give you a spectacular movie-watching experience. One that you cannot forget.