THIS week I went to see Life of PI. Directed by Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain) and based upon Yann Martel's booker prize winning novel (2001) Life of PI was set to be a beautifully written and directed piece of cinematic genius. It tells the story of how Piscine Patel otherwise known as PI finds him self stranded in the middle of the pacific ocean, after his family's ship gets destroyed in a horrific storm whilst they uproot their lives from India to Canada equipped with their famous zoo. The story becomes one of survival and with PI's only companion being that of ferocious bengal tiger, comically named Richard Parker, it soon becomes compelling viewing.
They encounter many marvels whilst out at sea, a sky full of flying fish, an ocean brought to life with the lights of a million jellyfish, and a carnivorous island housing more meerkats than you could ever believe possible. All of these portent scenes are brought to the screen with such dreamlike intensity, it felt as if you were taken into this world that had been created. This really is Ang Lee at his best, he brings a seemingly unfulfilling story and turns it into a magnificent piece of cinema. The effects used to create the mesmerising adult tiger had me in awe throughout, as did the relationship built between PI and the ravenous creature, he had once been so terrified of.
However the story did not leave me believing in God as it had promised. Instead it simply proved how resilient we are as humans, and through such overwhelming tragedy, hope can be found in the most unlikely of situations, sparking the most profound friendships which can ultimately end up saving your life. There isn't much to criticise when it comes to the Life of PI however I did feel some of the scenes were a little brutal for the PG certificate and I couldn't help but think if I was sat there crying I wasn't sure how some children would react, and through this personally some of the bewitching appeal was lost.
Together Ang Lee and screenplay writer David Magee created a fantastically written visionary masterpiece that would certainly be worthy of winning film of the year 2012. Lee has set himself as being a director who can take on any challenge at a height not many could reach. The only way to see this film is in its 3D glory, this really is a film to feel a part of. Upon leaving I could not help but remember this one qoute “You must take life the way it comes at you and make the best of it.” I think we can all learn something from this truly spectacular film.
No comments:
Post a Comment