Ang Lee makes India proud
After Slumdog Millionaire, which focused on showing the impoverished side of India, this time, the country has something to talk about. It's all thanks to Oscar-winning director Ang Lee who took a story set in the country's past and portrayed it cinematically in a dramatic way while using the latest 3D techniques. Lee's blockbuster Life of Pi compels us to think beyond the obvious.
Adapted from Yann Martel's Man Booker prize-winning novel of the same name, the film is a testament to Lee's ability to turn a great narrative into a money-making venture that touches the heart.
This movie, which is considered his most exciting and difficult project ever, makes the case for how one's life can be completely upended in a second. Yet, it contains something quite powerful that we all hold dear to our hearts. It's something that sustains our inner strength and hopes, even when we are at our lowest depths. This unknown force, perhaps called faith, which means different things to different people, is what makes the impossible become possible.
Divine implications
For Indian audiences, the religious touch in Life of Pi has become a hot topic for debate, compelling them to question what they believe, whether God exists, and if he does how far one can count on him.
It could be hard to comprehend what's right or wrong when one is pounded by spine-chilling tragedy. Nevertheless, the response to Lee's film has been quite encouraging. Mathew Samuels, director of art and culture for the West Indian state of Goa, is overjoyed by the way the film has been able to garner attention and send a message of resilience because of its religious hook.
In fact, Samuels is one indispensable part in the making of the film. It was he who four years ago guided Ang Lee and David Womack, the film's producer to discuss the idea. "Life of Pi is certainly a golden-ticket for Pondicherry to showcase its asset of harmonious co-existence between Hindus, Muslims and Christians," Samuels says.
Kunal Kohli, one of Bollywood's famous directors, described his experience of watching the film quite subtly. He said it makes us reconsider what we do, based on our values. "Life of Pi is more than a film. It's an experience and learning of a lifetime. I see filmmaking as my life," he said. "Pi's character is embedded with unrestricted freedom to embrace different cultures gleefully. There lies a secret to respecting other religions in the world."
Also, Irrfan Khan (the actor who plays the older Pi) has praised Lee's storytelling genius for his remarkable understanding of three cultures that India breeds with. "At a time when the world is riddled with so many conflicts just because of one religion fighting over another, this film is a big blessing to break that mundane cycle," he said.
"The secular diversity of India where all religions matter is what makes the country mysterious in the eyes of others. And we want to stay like that," Samuels said.
Many bigwigs from Bollywood like Mahesh Bhatt also showered praise upon Lee's directorial acuity. "Apart from mind-blowing visuals, the film also transports the viewers to get into the soul-searching mode of their lives when it comes to the fragility of life. It's simply awesome," Bhatt said.
Technical masterpiece
While there is a godly attribute highlighted in this splendid film, the other unforgettable thing everyone is blown over by is the indomitable creativity that Lee and his team have shown in making the picture.
Firstly, it's a 3D movie invention in its most advanced form. The visual dimensions of Life of Pi are subtly controlled, making it a must-see for cinema-goers looking for a rush of adrenaline.
Richard Parker, the name of the tiger featured in the movie, is afloat on a treacherous journey of seas with a human soul Pi. Making the CGI tiger look absolutely real with all the traits of a life threatening animal has set the bar. Of course other notable scenes, from heart-stopping storms and crushing oceanic waves to the shimmering stars and a mysterious carnivorous island, everything has been received with a "Wow!" from the cinema buffs and critics who are never easy to please.
"It's an affirmative step in the direction of filmmaking and how much it has evolved. I can only say that it's a masterpiece," says A.R. Rahman, India's two-time Grammy award winner.
Vikram Bhatt who is known for making thrillers in the Indian film industry can't stop trumpeting the splendor of Life of Pi. "One can learn to make the most of technologies in cinemas from Lee only. The move is no less than a big milestone when it comes to welcoming another revolution in cinema," he said.
"Bow to Ang Lee Sahab!" raved the acclaimed Indian director Shekhar Kapur who is known for his historical biopics Elizabeth and its sequel The Golden Age. He called the movie "quite marvelous," and added, "I saw it twice taking my daughter and her friends both times. They were all excited."
So here we have the best of the best - a story of one Indian boy named Piscine Molitor known as "Pi" fixing what comes his way not without a fight. There are quite a number of things that Life of Pi brings to light. As Karan Johar said, "There are various interpretations that one could make of it. And that's what I call a winning jackpot."