Life of Pi

Starting to catch up with my blogging friends after our Thanksgiving vacation in Virginia. But I must share this – one of the peak moments of the visit this year was getting to see the movie, Life of Pi, directed by Ang Lee, with my sister-in-law, Fran.

About a decade ago, I read the book of the same name, by Yann Martel. It was one of the best stories I have ever read and the movie did not disappoint, not for a moment. For those of us who love spiritual journeys, this is an utterly amazing one! I so identify with Pi’s childhood struggle to understand the universe and the great mystery surrounding us all. And to see his 227-day fight to survive, stranded and almost alone after being shipwrecked, portrayed so vividly on the screen, was breathtaking.

Personally, I don’t think it needs to be seen in 3D, but should definitely be seen on the big HD screen. Tim was sick during much of our visit with his family, so now that he’s feeling better I hope to drag him to see it with me soon. Don’t miss this one!

16 thoughts on “Life of Pi”

  1. I while I thought the book was good (really good), my friend Sam Juliano (a New York film critic) told me that the movie would blow my socks off! It sounds like I’ve got to go see it. Now!

    1. You have definitely got to see it, Laurie, I agree with Sam! Tim finally went with me two nights ago and loved it, too. He even noticed a couple symbols and connections that I had missed. 🙂

  2. I’m definitely going to have to go see this movie. It sounds really good. I heard an interview with the actor who played the main character on public radio a few weeks ago–and I thought it sounded good. Your review confirms that it would be a movie I’d like.

    1. I’d love to hear what you think of “Life of Pi” after you’ve seen it, Sheryl! I will have to see if I can find the interview with Suraj Sharma at the NPR site. He must be an amazing actor to play so well opposite of a computer generated Bengal tiger!

  3. I also read the book years ago and loved it. I wasn’t sure how they could bring such a movie to the big screen but I agree with you Barbara that the movie is a must see and on the big screen. (I think seeing it in 3D made it so real!).

    I was so surprised to read in the NY Times that the tiger wasn’t real.

    We saw the movie on Black Friday. We’d gone to the theater wanting to see “Lincoln” but it was sold out. I was very surprised to see that with all those crowds of people trying to get into a movie our screening of “Life of Pi” was only half full….

    1. It’s funny, Rosie, when I read the novel I wondered too how they could portray such an amazing story on the big screen, and what on earth it would be like to see. Looks like we had to wait until a time when new technology could bring it to life – well worth the wait! Perhaps I’ll try the 3D version if I get a chance.

      Fran and I saw “Life of Pi” on Thanksgiving day and then we went to see “Lincoln” on Black Friday – the theater was packed. Now that we’re home and Tim is on the mend he and I went to see both movies this week, and “Lincoln” was packed here, too. If only we had history portrayed so vividly when we were in school. My love, respect and admiration of Abraham Lincoln has grown by leaps and bounds.

      1. You’d so enjoy seeing the Civil War exhibition at the Huntington Museum in Pasadena. There are two parts – photos and letters. Its thrilling to read those letters and amazing that so many were saved

        1. An exhibition including photos and letters does sound like it would be right up my alley. I hope I will go to California some day – there is so much there I would love to see. Sometimes I wonder if our blogs will be exhibited in some future day, a sample of life as it was in these times…

  4. I haven’t read the book but have seen trailers for the movie before and it certainly looks good!

    We have a large TV and generally watch everything on DVD, so when it comes out in our region’s format, I’ll look for the disc. I’ve not been to the cinema in years – can’t take the all round sensory overload of high volume and brightness.

    1. I can’t wait to hear what you think of “Life of Pi” when you get to see it Val! There is a lot to be said for watching movies in the safety of your home where you can control the volume and brightness. And then there’s getting to curl up in the comfort of your favorite chair and making a healthy bowl of organic popcorn. I will definitely be buying this one for our movie collection. 🙂

  5. Thank you for the recommendation! I, too, loved the book, although, surprisingly, half of our book club did not, shame on them. Will definitely watch the movie, though may wait until it comes out on DVD. Thank you again. Special story…

    1. You’re so very welcome, Kathy. It’s so hard to imagine how anyone could not love this book! This is one of those rare movies that is every bit as good as the book, in my humble opinion. And it seems the critics agree. Now I’m looking forward to “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” next week. 🙂

  6. I so look forward to seeing this – may have to go on my own, as my mom doesn’t like to go out to the movies. (Well, I’ve done so before!) I really must read the book, too. Thanks for recommending and the trailer is magnificient!

    1. I hope you and your mom get to see “Life of Pi” together when it comes out on DVD if you haven’t seen it before then! And if you get to read the book before you go, so much the better. I don’t think I’ve ever gone to the movies by myself – perhaps I should try it one of these days…

  7. I am so looking forward to seeing this film. I’ve had the book on my reading list for years, and somehow it got overlooked. I’d like to remedy that, too.

    1. There are lots of books on my to-read list, too, Robin. It’s always fascinates me, wondering how we decide which book to choose next – the process remains a mystery to me.

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