life of π

*spoiler alert* There are spoilers in here. You've been warned. And don't say you're the type who doesn't mind spoilers - this book/movie is too good for that.


I went to go see Life of Pi last weekend and I can honestly say that a movie hasn't captured my attention and stirred my soul like that in a very long time (and yes I did go see Les Mis - ugh). I was in great company too which only enhanced my experience. Because honestly, when you're the only two people laughing at the perfect irony in a line like, "but Columbus was sailing for India!," you just appreciate it all a little more. That and laughing at Richard Parker whenever he'd revert to being a big 'ole pussycat was priceless.

These days it seems all movies are either remakes or based on a bestselling book. I'd heard of the book, but my friend and I didn't actually know if this was a true story or not. It's not. And that makes the story even better because at the end you are truly able to choose which story to believe. I wasn't blown away by the twist that he had masked a gruesome story with one of a spiritual journey. Instead, the spiritual journey was so compelling that it was almost unimportant to learn of what really transpired. But that scene where he is describing what really happened is so powerful that it makes me glad I hadn't read the book first.

First, I'll say something about the non-spiritual elements of the movie. The life they depicted of India in the 1970s, together with the setting of Pondicherry made India such a more alluring place than what one hears about India these days - just beautiful. As a novice, I found the acting to be perfect. I was so glad that they were an unknown cast as it could have been distracting to see any familiar faces on screen. On top of these elements, the music did more than just fit the movie, it complemented it and raised it to that level of enchantment. It's not surprising that Mychael Danna won the Golden Globe for Best Original Score (we have yet to see what other awards this film will win).

The story and the way it was told were incredible of course, but the two biggest things I took away from the movie were more at the bookends of the film. First, earlier on, we see how young Pi is incredibly sincere in his search for God, something highly unusual for a boy his age. As a result, he becomes a follower of Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam. - that's a lot of theology on your plate young man. An important scene is when Pi and his father have a discussion at the dinner table about it. Pi has just finished praying when his father tells him that he doesn't mind if his son opposes his own beliefs (being that science is more real than God), but as long as Pi has applied reason, he can live with it.

For quite some time now, I've been seeing the truths that religions and faiths other than my own have. While I was growing up, I was taught that Christianity is the only way and while not outright stated, it was implied that everything about other religions was wrong. Subconsciously I held this belief to be true. I do believe in only one God, but to think that other religions hold no truth of their own is ignorant and insulting to one's own intelligence. No one sat me down to tell me this. I learned it from my own observation much like Pi. He was not persuaded by words, but by knowledge. After learning about the life of Christ, young Pi says, 'I like this Son of God' and bam, he was a Christian. I am still surrounded by minds that can't comprehend the virtues in other religions and would call it heresy to abide by any of them while calling myself a Christian, but deep down I know who I am in Christ. Ironic anyway is that many of the 'foreign' religious principles I abide by and believe to be true translate into Christianity, but are just thought of in different terms. Things like the belief in karma or the principle of meditation; divinity in nature and many forms of prayer.

"Hindus, in their capacity for love, are indeed hairless Christians, just as Muslims, in the way they see God in everything, are bearded Hindus, and Christians, in their devotion to God, are hat wearing Muslims." - Pi, Life of Pi 

No one but God can know the heart of a believer. If someone is following three religions because they aren't really sure which is true, you'll see the manifestation in their lives. If they follow three religions because they see the value in each, you'll see it then too. Most apparently are those who you only hear about as being religious but don't act it out in any way. God doesn't judge by your works but by your faith. If you need to boast about your works, then it is time reevaluate your faith. Since a person't faith is such a personal aspect about them, seeing Pi's spiritual awakening and the faith he carried with him was touching.


The second thing I that really moved me is something adult Pi says after recounting his story to the writer. In speaking of Richard Parker he says, "I still cannot understand how he could abandon me so unceremoniously, without any sort of goodbye, without looking back even once. That pain is like an axe that chops at my heart." Harsh reality. Richard Parker is no longer the guru on his spiritual journey, but the animal that he is - cold, harsh, and uncaring. It leads adult Pi to say something I already knew to be painfully true since it's something I've had to learn on my own like he did.

It is important in life to conclude things properly. Only then can you let go. Otherwise you are left with words you should have said, but never did, and your heart is heavy with remorse... All of life is an act of letting go, but what hurts the most is not taking a moment to say goodbye.'

In my spiritual journey, a Jain nun once taught me that when those who are spiteful and angry do not give you the chance to end things properly, writing a letter to unburden your mind and heart of things unsaid is an option. The letter doesn't have to be sent. Simply the act of writing out what you need to say it cathartic enough. I've written two and sent both. I prefer speaking in person, but in my cases this has been the only way to end things as properly as possible.

This is a movie that everyone needs to see. It takes you out of your comfort zone, dazzles your senses, and intrigues the mind. I feel that when someone sees this movie will greatly affect what kind of impact the movie has on them, so whether you're in a place to enjoy a giant cat doing giant cat things or feeling inclined towards enlightenment, watch it.