Cinema Society

LIFE OF PI

Average
Rating

3.8

Tuesday, November 20, 2012, AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20

 7:10 PM: Introduction – Auditorium 9 

7:20 PM: Introduction – Auditorium 6 

7:30 PM: LIFE OF PI, Auditoriums 9 and 6

Discussion will follow screening in Auditorium 9 AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

LIFE OF PI

Director Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) creates a groundbreaking movie event about a young man who survives a tragic disaster at sea and is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While marooned on a lifeboat, he forms an amazing and unexpected connection with the ship's only other survivor -- a fearsome Bengal tiger.

A 20th Century Fox Release, LIFE OF PI opens commercially in San Diego on November 21st.

Not Yet Rated / Running Time: 125 Minutes

PLEASE NOTE: There is one showing only for this special screening—on screen at 7:30pm.

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21-Nov-12: Margaret Downing - Rating: 4

I wonder if my father, taken to see his first "talkie" in the 20's, felt the awe I did on seeing such a technological marvel last night. The 3-D effects were fabulous. My husband Rex and crew survived a typhoon off the coast of Taiwan in 1972; he says the skyscraper waves, the driving rain, and the shrieking wind depicted in the film were shockingly realistic.(And the flying fish as well!) All I know is that I was as scared as Pi most of the time, both of the tiger and the weather. I was intrigued by the story (have yet to read the book). Would have preferred about 15 minutes cut off from the open sea scenes; we got the point.

21-Nov-12: JF - Rating: 4

This was a great adaptation of the book, which must have been a challenge to translate to screen!

It did follow the structure of the novel, as the movie started with the writer's visit and the lighthearted and comical touch as Pi reveals the origin of his name, childhood and eccentric uncle, followed by the long passage recounting his survival on the boat, with a rather abrupt denouement explaining (but not showing) the real story.

In both the novel and the film I think the abruptness of this revelation is effective. It takes the reader/viewer by surprise and isn't belabored, keeping the focus on the fantastic tale Pi wove so that he could deal with his trauma...the version we'd all rather believe.

Anyway no need to read the novel to enjoy the story, acting, wonderful use of 3D and cinematography.

Recasting the novelist was a good decision since it served as a framing device, and a known actor would have been distracting.

21-Nov-12: Mroe - Rating: 4

Another film that I have not read the book so there was no added pressure on the film to impress me in it’s ability to adapt the book. I did enjoy the film but a couple things, I am not sure I needed to view it in 3-D, I think a high-def screen and still on a large screen would be sufficient, though the 3-D was nice in the zoo scenes and the one that made everyone jump (tiger jumping out from under the tarp on the boat) and with so any other non-action scenes (just dialogue between people) I don’t believe it’s worth the cost of a 3-D ticket (and to be truthful I think Avatar has ruined it for other films that want to show in 3-D). Then there was the “reveal” (about there not being other animals on the boat and who really was there), I got it but it didn’t feel like it had the punch that it needed, it just fell flat for me like either they ran out of time or because so many people read the book they figured they didn’t have to be too intense about it. Of course the art direction was phenomenal and the movie was visually breathtaking, see major nominations in the Cinematographer’s and visual effects department’s future.

21-Nov-12: Sioux - Rating: 4

It was beautifully made, and that tiger was incredible. If I had not known ahead of time that it was not real, I'm not sure I would have guessed. Maybe... Anyway, I really enjoyed it, even though I had to avert my eyes a few times in the beginning when all the animals were attacking each other. I read the book years ago, and despite my fuzzy recollection, it seems to have been a close adaptation, which is noteworthy.

21-Nov-12: RichG - Rating: 3

Ang Lee provided a kaleidoscope for the mind. The special effects were captivating. Probably Oscar consideration material. The young first time actor proved worthy of the trust placed in him when he earned the role. Certainly not the best we have seen this year, but well worth the time. Plus, the 3D was an extra bonus.

21-Nov-12: Georgi - Rating: 4

Beautiful. A visual gem. Captured the essence of the book without being an exact replica. 3D made it all the better.