Life of Pi - A-

Rated PG, 127 minutes

Visually stunning "Life of Pi" is also emotionally enriching

Suraj Sharma

Ang Lee new 3D adventure film is a visual feast and superbly acted, heartwarming drama that should please fans and non-fans of Yann Martel's best-selling novel of the same name upon which it's based. A 16 year-old Indian boy (newcomer Suraj Sharma, excellent) whose passage to a new life in America aboard a freighter ends in a shipwreck in the Pacific. He is left to fend for himself on a life raft with an adult Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. Lee's breathtaking and intelligently drawn "Life of Pi" that somehow manages to balance a moving character with sumptous visuals and an unusual emotional connection between a boy and a tiger. Martel's dense, deep novel also provides some heavy symbolism and metaphors for God, religion, faith, hope and family, among other things, some of which may not be picked up by all audiences, especially if you're unfamiliar with the novel. On the other side, fans of the novel will be satisfied by the faithful adaptation, though Lee is wise to simplify some of its more meditative elements, particularly in the last act of this unique, unconventional journey, to the point that some may not even pick up on the film's central twist (if not, it's worth a repeat viewing). The sets, the photography and the acting, particularly by Indian newcomer Sharma, in an award-worthy, sensational and breakout performance; he and the tiger carry the film (some have mentioned the tiger as a nominee for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar), and their unusual, sometimes humorous, sometimes tense relationship is what you'll remember most aside from the handsome visuals. Also memorable is Indian character actor Irrfan Khan (you may recognize him from "Slumdog Millionaire"), who has "Pi's" most moving scene near the end. Emotionally enriching, satisfying and visually breathtaking, "Life of Pi" is a must-see and one of the year's best films.

Wes's Grade: A-