Life of Pi is a 2012 adventure, drama, and fantasy movie directed by Ang Lee, which tells the story of a young writer meeting a middle-aged man named Pi Patel, who has an extraordinary story to be turned into a book. The main character narrates his journey from childhood and all of the experiences he went through, including the spiritual journey that changed his perspective on life. In this article, we will explore the Life of Pi synopsis and review, so keep reading!
Synopsis
Pi Patel, named Piscine by his father, Santosh, was born into a well-off Hindu family in Canada. His childhood was blissful, and he did not have to struggle financially since his family owns a local zoo, which is their primary source of income. However, Pi’s name became a problem when his classmates started teasing him by calling him ‘pee,’ which means urine in English. Hence, Pi came up with a new name, Pi, inspired by the Greek alphabet.
Pi, fascinated by Christianity and Islam, started to practice three religions, including Hindu, Islam, and Christianity, as a way of showing his love for God. However, Santosh preferred his son to have secular values. Pi then began to spend most of his time with the animals in the zoo until he developed a close friendship with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.
Life took an unexpected turn when Pi’s family had to sell their zoo animals and move to Canada to start a new life. During the journey, a storm hits, causing the ship to sink, and Pi is left stranded alone in the ocean with Richard Parker, a zebra, and an orangutan. Pi struggles to survive, fishing and building a shelter from the limited resources while trying to tame Richard Parker.
Visuals
The majority of the movie revolves around Pi’s struggle to survive in the ocean with Richard Parker. Visually, the movie stunningly depicts the vast ocean as a daunting and endless expanse of water. The cinematography focuses not only on Pi’s small boat but also on the vastness of the sea and sky, emphasizing the enormity of the challenge he faces.
The ocean and the sky play an essential role in this movie, not only for their contribution to the story but also for their visual appeal. The night scenes, for example, reveal the ocean’s abundance and beauty, with diverse marine life and luminescent plankton that create a surreal experience for both Pi and the audience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Life of Pi is an awe-inspiring movie that leaves the audience with a sense of admiration and spiritual awakening. The movie emphasizes the importance of perseverance and hope in our lives, even in the most extreme circumstances. The beautiful visuals and captivating story make Life of Pi a timeless masterpiece that will be remembered for years to come.
