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Tuesday, December 25, 2012

[9.25/10] Life of Pi [3D] (2012)


Life of Pi [3D] (2012)

Brief review: Based on the 2001 novel of the same name by Yann Martel, "Life of Pi" is the latest cinematic diamond from, arguably, the most versatile director in film history - Ang Lee. This fauna-dedicated story is touching, genuine, adventurous, full of life and truly absorbing from start to finish, and features one of the most engaging human/animal relationships ever put on film. Even though it's basically a fable, Ang Lee's powerful storytelling makes you believe every second of it. Yes, the film gets a bit too dramatic midway through, and the last minute story 'grounds' the otherwise magical experience quite quickly, but other then that, "Life of Pi" is an extraordinary fight for survival like no other. Ang Lee's refined direction features lots of diverse camera angles and impressively skillful camera work, and the special effects are flawless. The design of the animals, especially the Bengal tiger, is so amazing, you wouldn't recognize if those are CGI or actually real. The 3D is often sensational, and fully achieves its purpose to add an extra dimension to the visuals and make them look even more astonishing. There are also particular scenes, shot in a very artsy way, that will make your eyes pop out, particularly the stunning whale sequence. Suraj Sharma manages to carry the entire movie on his shoulders, thanks to his captivating and lively debut performance, and thoroughly charismatic character.

Overall summary:  Daring, captivating, beautifully-crafted, technically-brilliant, and completely extraordinary in every way, this nature-inspired gem of a film, "Life of Pi" is yet another winner from master of storytelling and visuals, Ang Lee, and one of this year's very, very best.

6 comments:

dolorah said...

Good review George. I've been skeptical of this movie; not sure about a boy and a tiger stuck on a life boat at sea.

Merry Christmas Dude.

.....dhole

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Donna, don't be. The film is exceptional, and something much more than a boy and a tiger stuck on a boat. :)

Glad you liked my review.

Merry Christmas to you too.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Knew you'd enjoy it! And glad you caught it in 3D.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Alex, I loved it. And the 3D was superb. It wouldn't be as effective in 2D. At least visually. :) Merry Christmas!

Unknown said...

Brilliant film and visually astounding. I saw the 2D because I can't watch 3D as it makes me physically sick. I really wish they would stop with the 3D all together. I want to watch a movie, not be in it. :)

Sorry, playing catch up. :)

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Mel, I'm so glad you saw this one on the big screen. It was amazing, wasn't it. I know you're a 3D hater, but the 3D in this one wasn't brain damaging at all.