"Life of Pi"

The unfilmable film has arrived, said by many to be a movie that would never see the light of day, DIrector Ang Lee brings the novel to the screen.

An Indian family decide to move to Canada, not just the family but their business also, which just happens to be running a Zoo, so every animal will be joining them on their slow boat across the Atlantic. Whilst on their journey a huge storm puts paid to their plans, as the boat becomes engulfed in waves of such magnitude, that many are swept overboard, including Pi, our main character.

Recovering from his ordeal, and having been witness to the loss of his family, Pi adjusts to his situation, alone in a lifeboat, well, alone until he discovers that he has some furry friends to keep him company, and not all are that friendly. He has to contend with an Orangutan, Zebra, a rather vicious Hyena, and a Bengal Tiger called 'Richard Parker'. Not only does Pi have to contend with the elements, the risk of dehydration and starvation, but also be weary of his new friends, and for some of them, he could be their next meal.

For a variety of reasons, the two survivors on the lifeboat are Pi and Richard Parker, and Pi has to find a way for them both to survive, trying to teach the tiger and get him to learn, creating a fascinating relationship, and becomes quite an integral part of the film.

The film has been described as the most visually stunning film since "Avatar", well for me that is not much of a recommendation, as I thought the James Cameron movie was visually weak. And I have to say that it looks nice at times, but is far from visually stunning. And as usual, the 3D aspect still further illustrates how far away this format is from being perfect.

It is an enjoyable film, but would not say it is life afirming, Suraj Sharma gives a wonderful performance as Pi, in his first Film performance, an admirable feat indeed. Nice Direction from Ang Lee, butb he has done better.

Nice but a little bit adrift......7 out of 10