Life of Pi

Given that it's bound to win Oscars I would assume it will be back on in the cinemas for a short while [that usually happens]. It's certainly a film to see on the big screen if possible.

* crimson* Thanks so much for the link to Mark Kermode. I never listen to Five Live but if he has a regular spot I must try and find it. I think DD Mark One does so I'll see if she can help.

Friday afternoons - double act with Simon Mayo, Ganja. It's the best thing to listen to if you love cinema, even if you don't always agree with Mark Kermode - though his recommendations are usually spot on.

We went on impulse this afternoon to see The Life of Pi in our local 'art' cinema in 3D. It was stupendous. Not having read the book, I didn't quite know what to expect but we were completely immersed for the 2 hours (husband and I). I can't understand how anyone could have found the first bit boring, the whole first half of the film before they set off is enchanting. And after that it is nail biting! I'd be interested to hear people's views on the 2 versions of his story. Will watch the Mark Kermode interview too. What a brilliant vehicle for the CG effects.

I didn't pay much attention to the alternative ending at first until someone told me why the tiger was called Richard Parker. Then I felt it took all of the magic away, albeit only whilst I was sorting it all out in my head. Strangely enough, Mark Kermode doesn't mention that at all. My ultimate feeling is that all of us go through life seeing things how we want to see them not always as they really are. And when Richard Parker walks away from the boy without a backwards glance[my eyes are welling up as I write this ] maybe that is Pi telling us that he walked away from what had happened because we, as animals just like every other animal on the planet are here to survive and survive in any way that we have to? I do need to dip into the book, though, even though I'm sure it's not something I can read from beginning to end [far too heavy for me these days]. Hulk was on telly yesterday and I forgot to watch it although I caught a few glimpses of it whilst channel hopping. Didn't look very inspiring but Ang Lee said it helped him enormously when making Pi. And Sense and Sensibility is on next week so I'll make a point of watching that.

Oh rats; forgot to put big SPOILER ALERT before I wrote that!!!!

I don't always agree with Mark Kermode but in this case he was spot on. Mind you, I nearly didn't go to see Pi because I'd been so disappointed with Beasts of the Southern Wild [it was good but not 'the best film since Pans Labyrinth' as Mark had implied].

MORE SPOILER ALERTS - what do you mean 'someone told you why the tiger was called ...' it tells you in the beginning of the movie how the tiger got its name or is there more to it than that?

This is what I thought about the 2 different stories: the second story is the one that really happened, about the people who were on the lifeboat with the cook and Pi getting rid of the cook. The story that we watched during most of the film, was Pi coming to terms with his 'dark side' - Richard Parker - the premise being that we have to tame our demons (because we all have the capacity to be evil). The tiger walking away without a backward glance I've got to think about a bit more. I thought that we right though, it seemed fitting, there was no room for sentimentality at that point. Fascinating film.

Sorry that should be, "I thought that was right, though".

nowiknow.com/richard-parker/

Damn; didn't work.

nowiknow.com/richard-parker/

Nope; still not working. However that link was much more reasuring saying that the author used the name as a homage to all the previous Richard Parkers. Feel happier about that one.

Thanks, Crimson, I copied and pasted it.

I so want my daughter to see the film. We used discuss fims like this endlessly but she only watches them on dvd now so I'll have to wait. Thank goodness for gransnet and film forums .

crimson I found this site screenrant.com/life-of-pi-movie-ending-spoilers/comment-page-7/#comment-656638

Thank you so much for finding that link, Grannyknot! The bit I didn't understand was why the film would 'make you believe in/prove there is a God'. Now it makes sense [sort of]. And makes me want to se the film again even more!!

crimson I think it is simply because you can believe the unbelievable. If that's what you choose. Well, that's the explanation for me anyway.

Like a wonderful fairytale for adults. Which is what it is. I've always believed in unbelieveable things anyway . Did you like Pans Labyrinth, Grannyknot? Some films I love so much when I sse them at the cinema I never watch them again on dvd. Pans Labyrith is one of those films.

I never saw Pan's Labyrinth because I was scared of the thing with its eyes on its hands! (if I have the right movie).

I saw Pan's Labyrinth as an in-flight movie so didn't get the benefit of a big screen, but I did like it and would willingly see it again. Wonder if it's on the Virgin movies on my TV.

It was on the telly this weekend. One of the most edge of seat endings to any film I've ever seen; probably why I never wanted to see it again.

Saw this in 3d on Old Year's Night having driven thru hammering rain and struggled to find a parking spot. I have very recently suffered the loss of my beloved mum and was seeking 'escape' on that significant evening.
It was the right choice. The film just blew me away, awe inspiring cinema and although little action in the conventional sense, it was utterly compelling. Both actors who played Pi were brilliant. Don't miss this, it works on many levels and leaves you thinking long after seeing the movie.

Y'know paradisemerton you should write to Ang Lee and tell him what you've just said. I think that, no matter how many Oscars and Globes he's gets for this film nothing will mean more to him than giving you some escape from your sadness. There can be no greater praise. [sorry about your mum ...]

Someone offered to lend me the "life of Pi" when the book first came out, and I refused, saying I was sure DH already had it. But it was "The Story of Pi" that he had, on his shelves full of books about Maths....