Tell us what you thought of 'Life of Pi'

Ang Lee's visionary adaptation hits theaters just in time for the holiday

By Kristopher TapleyWednesday, Nov 21, 2012 10:27 PM

Suraj Sharma in "Life of Pi"

Credit: 20th Century Fox

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Ang Lee's addition to the season is finally here as "Life of Pi" -- hotly anticipated for years -- hits the multiplex. I was favorable when I saw the film at the 50th annual New York Film Festival, though I took some mechanics issues with it. I still feel that way, though the creamy center has really felt richer and richer the further I've spun away from it. HitFix's own Drew McWeeny, meanwhile, has a completely different take, a disagreement with fundamental elements. But let's see what you have to say. Drop your comments below when you get around to seeing the film, and as always, feel free to rate it above.

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Kristopher Tapley
Editor-at-Large

Kristopher Tapley has covered the film awards landscape for over a decade. He founded In Contention in 2005. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Times of London and Variety. He begs you not to take any of this too seriously.

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Jordan

Really liked it for the most part, but had HUGE problems with the awful framing device and Magee's need to exposit each and every theme to the audience. We're not idiots, people. We can handle a visual metaphor without having to have it bashed over our heads with ponderous dialog. But there are so many gorgeous moments throughout that it's hard not to like much of it. Three stars, but easily could've been four with a better screenplay.
November 22, 2012 at 2:06AM EST Reply to Comment
AmericanRequiem

Really disapointed, the framing device was awful and the message pounded over our heads, Im really suprised this one has been seen as such a strong contender, visuals aside
November 22, 2012 at 2:09AM EST Reply to Comment
d2

I'm not a religious person whatsoever. I find it ridiculous when people cling to religion as a life preserver (pun partially intended), however...this is a brilliant film. So many shots could easily make Kris' top 10 list. I feared the dialogue going into the film and while not great, the actors' delivery made the film flow nicely. Much better than Avatar by a mile.

The framing device might be criticized, but it wasn't nearly as bad as Saving Private Ryan's unnecessarily sentimental framing device.
November 22, 2012 at 3:17AM EST Reply to Comment
Sark09

Easily my favorite film of the year! I cannot fathom why people are having issues with the framing devices. I loved how it was bookended, and I disagree that the screenplay dumbs it down. For one thing, the symbolism is so abstract that no matter how a particular character within the film chooses to explain it, it will still have a different meaning for every viewer. Everyone has his or her own personal outlook on the nature of spirituality (and, in turn, the spirit of nature itself), and everyone will come away with a different interpretation. I thought Suraj Sharma, as a newcomer, was incredibly captivating throughout the film, particularly during his monologue at the end. The cinematography and visual effects should receive some awards attention, and while I'm not a champion of 3D, I thought its use here was quite beautiful. For my money, it's Ang Lee's best film since Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
November 22, 2012 at 3:36AM EST Reply to Comment
Kyle Fuller

Few films feel truly alive, but Life of Pi is one of them. I don't feel as though I watched the film so much as experienced it. The use of 3D was spectacular, so much so that I can't imagine seeing this film in 2D. Even the most simple aspects such as cross-dissolves are heightened through the 3D.

It isn't perfect, but I like that about it. Just like the relationship between Pi and Richard, there are flaws. All night the movie has lingered in the forefront of my mind, and a little lump has been growing in my throat each time I think of certain images, images that I'm sure will remain with me for years, much like other Lee films. Definitely worthy of a best picture nom, and, I find it ASTONISHING that Suraj Sharma isn't in the Best Actor conversation. I won't be shocked if he's this years big surprise nomination. A towering physical and emotional performance, in my opinion.
November 23, 2012 at 3:09AM EST Reply to Comment
JLPatt

Very good. It's a movie about storytelling and parable, the power of representation, and as such I think the framing device was kind of imperative. Without it we'd be missing a whole layer of the film. And while not particularly subtle, parables often aren't - the power of this film is its elemental simplicity, I think.
November 23, 2012 at 5:37PM EST Reply to Comment
HoustonRufus

Saw it tonight. Overall, I really liked it. I would have preferred the story was told with more subtlety. And I agree that the framing device makes for awkward transitions. But the centerpiece of the story is spectacular to watch and experience. As everyone has said, the visuals are stunning. I wasn't as moved as I thought I'd be, but I suspect the structure of the story kept me at a bit of a distance. I'm not sure how it will rank for me when I consider the year in total. It was certainly one of the more memorable film experiences I've had this year, but I would have liked to have been more emotionally engaged with the central character.
November 24, 2012 at 11:50PM EST Reply to Comment