Kevin's Watch

Finally I got to see it last night after two previous failed attempts and boy was it worth the wait. The 3D was not intrusive but served a good purpose and the visual beauty of the film almost hurts. I love India so the film had a head start for me with it's almost idealised version of Pondicherry at the start. The beautiful tragic story of Pi that follws is both gruelling and uplifting at the same time and then the film is rounded of by a reality check that does nothing to lessen the value of the spiritual lessons learned on the journey. One of these lessons has to be 'don't tie yourself down in life by commiting to beliefs that become shackles around your neck.' The films message is a great swipe against dogmatism in any form and I loved it!

We saw it a week or two ago, also in 3D. I dunno about the whole 3D thing; I noticed it at the start of the movie, but then got used to it and forgot it was in 3D at all 'til partway through -- at which point I decided it didn't really add much of anything. But that's just my opinion.

As to the movie itself, I thought the most interesting part was the last bit, where the main character told the investigators the two different versions of his story and told them to pick the most believable one for their report.

I do think the story could be viewed as the main character coming to terms with the wild, primal part of himself -- the tiger then slinking off without a backward glance when the boy grows into a man.

I haven't read the book, fwiw.

Hi Ali. Yes, I agree the 3D was unobtrusive. The thing is I have seen a few films where the 3D was much more 'in your face' and it begins to grate. The effect in this film was used sparingly and I think the fact that you stop noticing it does not necessarily mean it is not enhancing the film. I saw another film the following day where the same trailers I had seen in 3D the previous were shown in 2D and the difference was pronounced.

I haven't read the book either, but I am told by a friend that there are significant differences. One critic on rotten tomatoes panned the film and said it was a 'shaggy dog story' dressed up with special effects and that he was amused by the saucer-eyed (sic) reception it had recieved across the board. I smiled and a little bit of me agreed with him - but I'm happy that I'm able to let myself see the beauty of this simple and colourful (if a little naive) film.

3D is a usually rip-off and so I never see those versions. But, "Life of Pi" was a gorgeous film with a wonderful story. I saw it with my daughters, and at times the scenes were a little too intense for my 8-year old. Still, we greatly enjoyed it.

I hadn't even considered the certification of the film but yes, some of the tiger scenes were pretty intense for a liitle one. But even if the story was a little deep I imagine the visual aspect of the film would keep a child on board.