Life of Pi

Life of Pi long resided on the list of "unfilmable" books. Short on plot, heavy on fantastic imagery and spiritual allegory, Yann Martel's 2001 novel seems designed to frustrate any potential filmmakers. Ang Lee's adaptation not only does the book justice but stands as a remarkable film in its own right.

Pi Patel (Irrfan Khan) narrates his life story to a Canadian novelist (Rafe Spall). As a teenager (Suraj Sarma) his family owned an Indian zoo, traveling to Canada by boat. On the way their ship sinks in a storm; Pi is the only human survivor. He ends up trapped on a lifeboat with tiger Richard Parker, drifting endlessly through the Pacific Ocean. Man and tiger must learn to get along, learning spiritual truths along the way.

Life of Pi is an incredible achievement. Working with Rhythm and Hues studio, Lee crafts a visual wonder . Richard Parker alone justifies the production: photo real and incredibly lifelike, this pixelated tiger puts the motion capture creatures of Avatar and Rise of the Planet of the Apes to shame. Not to mention the endless visual delights: jellyfish-lit evenings, schools of flying fish, an island crawling with curious meerkats and carnivorous plant life. The movie is so immersive issues of realism don't matter. Arguably, CGI's never been put to better use.

Pi presents a warmhearted, pantheist parable. Pi absorbs tenants of every major religion in his search for a greater truth. Early scenes touch on whimsical magic realism but take on a darker cast after the shipwreck. Watching man and tiger bond through gestures and training provides an intriguing story hook; their bonding suggests a universal understanding through faith is possible. Pi may lose his family and endure hardships but his faith remains unshaken, Job and Daniel in one. It's a compelling argument for religion, even if Lee backhandedly suggests it may be bunk. 

That Life of Pi retains interest without a narrative proves equally impressive. The story remains compelling even though 75 percent of the action takes place on the boat. The visuals never lack for wonders, while the unorthodox man-tiger dynamics keeps the story afloat. Lee and writer fudge things slightly with the tedious framing device; this ads nothing a simple voice over couldn't have done better. Similarly, the invitation for viewers to question Pi's truthfulness is a questionable bum steer.

Newcomer Suraj Sharma makes Pi a compelling protagonist, endlessly charming and real in the most bizarre circumstances. Irrfan Khan (Slumdog Millionaire) and Rafe Spall (Prometheus) handle their end competently. Gerard Depardieu appears in cameo.

Life of Pi deserved every technical award this year, and stands as a fine piece of storytelling.