2012 has had me a fan boy heaven. First, there was the blockbuster, the Avengers, then came the Dark Knight Rises and the Amazing Spiderman, a highly successful adaptation of the novel the Hunger Games and the ever-so-brilliant Skyfall. I could not have asked for more.
Not that I wouldnt want to see more.
On 24 November, I went along with my friends of classes 11and 12 and our teacher, Sonia Mojumdar, went to see the newly released Life of Pi. Its the story of an Indian teenage boy stuck in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, owing to a shipwreck in which his family died.
As if that was not enough, Yann Martel, the author of the book Life of Pi, had to throw in an orangutan, an injured zebra, an extremely hungry hyena and not to forget a fierce Royal Bengal Tiger, with Pi the protagonist of our story, all of which had to survive in a small lifeboat.
In a few days time, it is only the tiger and Pi left, with the other animals having killed each other, in their fight against hunger. Pi survived for 227 days with the tiger, having formed an unexplained, yet magical bond. Sometime, during their journey, they encounter a beautiful island inhabited by a large population of meerkats. Only later, does Pi discover that the island is composed of carnivorous algae. He leaves the island and after the end of a long journey, both the tiger and Pi, both grow extremely weak. They reach the Mexican coast, where the tiger leaves his companion and disappears into the deep forest. Pi is eventually rescued by a group of sailors.
As if the story wasnt gripping enough, Ang Lee, the director, gives us mesmerising, jaw-dropping visuals to go with it. Beautiful sea-creatures, the starry night sky, glowing, larger than life, whales, and angry storms. He leaves out nothing. The 3D effects are just amazing. The actors, Suraj Sharma and Irrfan Khan play their parts extremely well, making us believe the simple yet witty narrative with ease and emotion that was felt long after the movie gave over.
It was an elevating experience. I would say, Life of Pi, is a must- watch film. I would jump at an opportunity to see the movie again.
By Ishan Mahendru. XI-C (Humanities).
Piscine Molitor Pi Patel has an exquisite life inspite of facing the most extreme trauma a human possibly can. We do not know if hes delusional, but his view on life is such that it fascinates.
All novel adaptations go through a commercial revamp and the spectators are always left pondering over the fact that the novel was so much better. This does not hold true forAng Lees adaptation of Yann Martels novel.
The film actually elevates the sequences in the novel, transforming them to a 3D visual treat. Supported by some of Indias finest actors, the movie proves how a persons faith in himself can be an extremely strong force.
Not all can understand, the many layers to Piscine Patels compelling story, but Ang Lee has given the novels essence a new direction.
Sanchari Banerjee XI C (Humanities).
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