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Summary Based on the best-selling novel by Yann Martel, is a magical adventure story centering on Pi Patel, the precocious son of a zookeeper. Dwellers in Pondicherry, India, the family decides to move to Canada, hitching a ride on a huge freighter. After a shipwreck, Pi is found adrift in the Pacific Ocean on a 26-foot lifeboat with a zebra, a ...

Directed By: Ang Lee

Written By: Yann Martel, David Magee

Life of Pi

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 44 Critic Reviews

79

User Score Generally Favorable Based on 955 User Ratings

7.9

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Summary Based on the best-selling novel by Yann Martel, is a magical adventure story centering on Pi Patel, the precocious son of a zookeeper. Dwellers in Pondicherry, India, the family decides to move to Canada, hitching a ride on a huge freighter. After a shipwreck, Pi is found adrift in the Pacific Ocean on a 26-foot lifeboat with a zebra, a ...

Directed By: Ang Lee

Written By: Yann Martel, David Magee

Where to Watch

Not available in your country?

Get 3 Extra months free

$6.67/mth

Critic Reviews

Metascore

Generally Favorable Based on 44 Critic Reviews

84% Positive
37 Reviews

16% Mixed
7 Reviews

0% Negative
0 Reviews

All Reviews
Positive Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

Metascore

Generally Favorable Based on 44 Critic Reviews

84% Positive
37 Reviews

16% Mixed
7 Reviews

0% Negative
0 Reviews

All Reviews
Positive Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Negative Reviews

Dec 17, 2012

To produce a coherent film from Martel's tricky novel would be achievement enough, but Ang Lee has extracted something beautiful, wise and, at times, miraculous.

By Olly Richards FULL REVIEW

The Hollywood Reporter

Sep 30, 2012

Meticulous care is evident in every aspect of the film. All three actors playing Pi are outstanding.

By Todd McCarthy FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

User Score

Generally Favorable Based on 955 User Ratings

83% Positive
792 Ratings

11% Mixed
102 Ratings

6% Negative
61 Ratings

All Reviews
Positive Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Negative Reviews

User Reviews

User Score

Generally Favorable Based on 955 User Ratings

83% Positive
792 Ratings

11% Mixed
102 Ratings

6% Negative
61 Ratings

All Reviews
Positive Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Negative Reviews

Movieliefhebber

Jan 6, 2025

I thought Life of Pi was a beautiful story, the storyline was very difficult to understand, but this film still kept my attention, so it turned out to be a good film

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Aug 13, 2020

Best “lost at sea” movie ever. Absolutely brilliant. Super sad and super funny moments all at once.

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Nov 20, 2012

A spectacular high-seas epic that employs technology brilliantly and underscores the power of a vividly told story.

By Claudia Puig FULL REVIEW

New Orleans Times-Picayune

Nov 21, 2012

The result is a movie built upon big ideas -- and timely ones, too, delivering a message of understanding in this frustrating age of great intolerance -- but also a great story and, thanks to Lee, a wonderfully satisfying cinematic journey.

By Mike Scott FULL REVIEW

Christian Science Monitor

Nov 21, 2012

Lee may, in the end, be too balanced a filmmaker to give Life of Pi the extra spin of lyric delirium it sorely needs. It's a sane movie about an essentially deranged situation.

By Peter Rainer FULL REVIEW

Austin Chronicle

Nov 21, 2012

Life of Pi, ironically, soars when it confines itself to land and sea; when it grasps for the celestial, the film goes beyond its reach.

By Marjorie Baumgarten FULL REVIEW

Nov 20, 2012

Life of Pi manages occasional spiritual wonder through its 3-D visuals but otherwise sinks like a stone.

By Nick Schager FULL REVIEW

See All 44 Critic Reviews

Mar 15, 2020

The most miraculous, uncanny tale of survival in seven seas, narrated by the son of a zoo caretaker, who had as shipwreck companion a Bengal tiger. The full two hours are catching, compelling and especially, stunning on resource of 3D.

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Apr 11, 2019

Has great visuals but isn't nearly as profound as it thinks it is. Still worth it for visuals and music though.

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Mar 20, 2016

OK, this is a very beautiful and breathtaking movie. I have to admit, even though I am a fan of the book, that the cinematic experience did get very boring at times. The island was beautifully translated from the book, which already had a weird plot. I could have used better acting from young Pi, but the one on the boat was amazing. Very emotional performance.

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Jun 7, 2019

How'd the goat get through the bars... I don't understand lol this movie is not very good I'm disappointed.

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Apr 19, 2014

The visual effects were actually pretty good but the movie is stupid .The movie is long and there is nothing spectacular in the **** story is really boring almost fall asleep during the **** critics are too gentle with the movie.

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See 200 User Review

Details

Production Company

Fox 2000 Pictures
Dune Entertainment
Ingenious Media
Haishang Films
Netter Productions
Big Screen Productions
Ingenious Film Partners

Release Date Nov 21, 2012

Duration 2 h 7 m

Rating PG

Genres

Tagline Don't lose hope.

Website http://www.lifeofpimovie.com/

View All Details

Awards

Academy Awards, USA

• 4 Wins & 11 Nominations

Golden Globes, USA

• 1 Win & 3 Nominations

Online Film & Television Association

• 2 Wins & 11 Nominations

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