"The Life of Pi"

[edhopper]

Saw "The Life of Pi" last night.
Very interesting parable of the ideas of belief and religion.
It is also a visually stunning and riveting movie.

I assume there will be SPOILERS in this thread, so be forewarned to those who have not seen it yet.



The movie does not answer questions of religion and God, but rather presents a story that allows the viewer to ponder the truth of people's belief's. It's the opening of a conversation, not the answer to a question or a statement.

I think would be enjoyable to both an atheist like myself, or a believer.

And it is also ripping good adventure movie, if you don't want to think about all that intellectual stuff

[Iggy]

1. I Read the Book:

fantastic... looking forward to the film! but will be seeing Lincoln today.

[edhopper]

4. Another good debate here

"Was Lincoln and Atheist?"

[Iggy]

5. I'm not sure why

Lincoln's religious beliefs, or non-belief matters today?

other than to recognize his beliefs were likely much more sophisticated/learned than 99% of the people living in the U.S. today.

[edhopper]

6. I was just being cute.

hence the smilies.

[cilla4progress]

10. Sacrilege to admit this, but ..

as good as Lincoln was (and I'm a big Lincoln-lover ), I was more long-term impacted by this film (Life of Pi)! Probably just me.

In any case - both are fabulous! I read the book too (many years ago) - you will NOT be disappointed! Enjoy!

[Iggy]

13. Thanks!

Need to figure out how to see Life of Pi this weekend... looking forward to it!

Lincoln was off the chart incredible. there's the Oscar winner, in several catergories.

[cilla4progress]

14. 2 words

Sally Field!!

[Iggy]

16. BINGO!!!

Ms Field was incredible as Mary Todd.. I agree.

She played the range of emotion of Mary perfectly. I hadn't seen her in anything great since Forrest Gump.

I can't see anyone beating her for Best Actress-- who and what film?

[Voice for Peace]

2. Did you read the book before seeing the movies?

My daughter is hesitant to see the movie because she
loved loved loved the book so much. I'm wondering
about opinions of people who've read it, then seen the
film.

I haven't read it and probably won't ever get to it so
thanks for the great review, I'm interested.

[edhopper]

3. No I did not

Hopefully it will capture the essence of the book for her.
But Ang Lee produced some magic on the screen that I think is worth the price of the ticket.

BTW; I saw it in 3D, and while there were some interesting moments that the 3D enhanced. I think overall it would work just as well in regular 2D.

[cilla4progress]

12. I agree about the 3D

It was fine, but unnecessary. A bit gimmicky.

[trocar]

7. Pi

I enjoyed the movie, the visuals were breathtaking. Was I as gob smacked as when I first read the book? no But I think the movie flows with the book's themes, and I could viscerally understand the relationship between Pi and Richard Parker

[Voice for Peace]

8. thanks!

I pretty much know nothing about the story, am looking forward to seeing it eventually.

[cilla4progress]

11. I don't see how she could be disappointed

As you've no doubt heard - the visuals are beyond amazing. Legendary director Ang Lee captures the simple profundity of the story. I read the book many years ago and the film left me with the same sense of wonder as the book. The previously undiscovered main actor is excellent as Pi, as are all the actors.

I highly encourage her to see it, and would love to hear her feedback when she does!

[Voice for Peace]

17. thanks very much, I will pass it on.

the more I hear the more I want to see it myself.

[cilla4progress]

9. Great summation!

I had thought it would be too "ponderous" for my husband, so went with a girlfriend last night. Loved it! Of course, I've loved every film I've seen by Ang Lee. Will be taking my husband to see it before it leaves town!

As you say, the visuals alone make this a must-see movie. I consider myself an agnostic / pagan / Unitarian / anthropologist-philosopher (by hobby). Though I don't believe in any religion literally, I find them endlessly fascinating for what they tell us about the human condition, species. So I obviously loved this film!

I am also an animal lover, and this film spoke deeply to me on that level, as well.

The acting, by novice actors (especially Pi) was also stunning.

I read this little book years ago and the questions presented, as you mention, stayed with me. I've thought about the story ever since I left the movie theater last night. Mark of a great film!

I strongly encourage all to feast their eyes on on this lovely piece of work - big screen highly preferable!

[tama]

15. I checked the wiki on the book

And this stuck in the eye:

"In a letter directly to Martel, Barack Obama described Life of Pi as "an elegant proof of God, and the power of storytelling".[25]!

I rather take your word that is a good opening of a conversation, not a conclusive proof.