We were a bit late to actually go watch this movie. And of course, for some reason (which I don’t quite recollect now), I thought it a great idea to make it a kids’ movie outing – taking along our 3 year old and a friend ‘s 4 year old. Whoever said Life of Pi is a movie kids would love may not be completely wrong. The story is directly appealing at a basic level to children – who always love a fantastic tale. But perhaps, as our friend remarked, children aged 6 and above maybe? Thankfully, the movie hall was full of kids for a Sunday morning show, so although I made a wrong call, I had plenty of company 🙂
Anyway, this is not really a blog post about my poor movie choices for my child. It is however about the other level, the higher level which I believe existed as a platform for the story of Life of Pi. A direct narrative, a powerful and fantastic tale, incredible characters and a journey that is unique – these elements for me made the movie a really good one. As far as movies go, right through, I thought it was a beautiful movie. But I confess, I did not feel the mind blowing sensation I had while watching let’s say “Inception” (more on THAT in another post). But there was a message, a perspective, an after taste if you’d like to call it that the movie left that had me thinking and now writing 5 days after I saw it. The after-taste reminded me of a book I read a long time back which had a similar impact. Of opening little doors and windows in my mind, gently nudging and shifting my thinking, forcing me to re-evaluate some questions of life. The book was “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance”.
So here’s what Life of Pi means to me – my take so to speak. This next part I think you’ll understand only if you’ve seen the movie.
Why the incredible journey. Why was the questioning man seeking to know Pi’s story. Why did Pi’s uncle think his story would help a man believe in God again.. Why the references to God and spirituality. Why did the tiger not turn back for that last look. (unlike unpredictable heroines in SRK starrers). Is there a God. Why does He allow suffering. Why do bad things happen to good people.
A question is sometimes not really seeking an answer but simply re-stating a fact. Sometimes simply re-stating a fact can alter your reality, or at least your perception of it. So this is what I now think the movie was about.
We all need a Richard Parker in our journey through life. Life begins with pain but is filled with wonderful things, some of which you cannot always explain. Life can be beautiful and it can also be cruel and leave you wondering how both can co-exist. And through it all, you need that one element that goads you to go on and fulfil your destiny. Sometimes it is fear, sometimes it is love, sometimes it is hope and sometimes it is survival. Richard Parker – the tiger is really a place-holder for your purpose in life. And purpose for some is constant and for others it is transient. And maybe your purpose only reflects back on you what you want to see – as Pi worries about whether he really saw understanding in a tiger’s eyes or only saw it because he so badly needed to. Your Richard Parker exists to get you through the journey of life, through all its various stages. Your Richard Parker can be fierce, weak, hungry or understanding – but it will keep you alert and striving.
Pi needed Richard Parker in that boat to get through his incredible journey – admittedly, he would have perished without the tiger in his boat. Pi was wise – he quickly got over his resentment of having Richard Parker with him.
Do you know who/what is the Richard Parker in your life’s journey ? Your purpose in life can be scary or tough but if you recognise its place in your life, in your journey, would it make acceptance of life easier ?
Taking a leaf out of the movie (ok, another leaf) – Life of Pi is a great movie for kids or is Life of Pi a great movie to move your spirit. Which would you rather believe ? It is what you would rather choose to believe.
This started as a movie review but it really is my take. If you have not seen the movie, I’ll tell you this. The movie is well made, has lovely visuals, has heart ache and pain but a very positive spirit. But if you want mindless entertainment, skip it. Or watch it as would a 6 year old, filled with awe and wonder and not worrying about what it all means.
PS: I read this on Wiki just now before publishing this post and felt the connection too uncanny to skip mentioning here. Read the LAST LINE in the para below. Amen 🙂
“Life of Pi is a fantasy adventure novel by Yann Martel published in 2001. In a 2002 interview with PBS, Martel revealed his inspiration for his novel, “I was sort of looking for a story, not only with a small ‘s’ but sort of with a capital ‘S’ – something that would direct my life.” He spoke of being lonely and needing direction in his life. The novel became that direction and purpose for his life.”**
** Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_of_Pi
Pavithra 
May have been a bit sloppy in terms of writing, but the visuals are breathtaking and something that will definitely have your eyes advert on the screen the whole time. Good review.
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