Simon Dillon reviews this life-affirming, spectacular and moving film

When I first read Yann Martel's acclaimed novel Life of Pi, I mentally added it to the list of books that should never be turned into a film (alongside the likes of Catcher in the Rye). Any filmmaker foolhardy enough to bring this story to the big screen would surely be destined for a spectacular failure. When I saw the trailer, I was concerned my worst fears had been realised, and that the book would be ruined for anyone who saw the film first.

I was wrong. Ang Lee's version of the story is every bit as vivid, spectacular and moving as the book. It retains all the excitement and emotion of the novel whilst simultaneously stretching the cinematic medium in a phenomenally innovative way.

In terms of plot, nothing significant has been altered. For those who are unfamiliar with the tale, the eponymous Pi grows up in India where his family run a zoo. Born a Hindu, Pi then becomes a Christian and then also a Muslim. When it is pointed out to him that he can't be all three he fails to understand why not. However, religious confusion is merely the beginning of Pi's problems. When his family decides to emigrate to Canada, Pi finds himself shipwrecked and trapped in a lifeboat with a zebra, an orangutan, a hyena and a Bengal Tiger for company. So begins a truly extraordinary survival adventure that is gripping and convincing, allowing for the complete suspension of disbelief in spite of the implausible scenario.

Lee deserves considerable credit not only for bringing this story to the screen successfully, but for his outstanding direction. There are images here that are completely unique - including a stunning wide shot of the boat at the centre of a totally calm sea with the night sky reflected on the surface, and another shot that pays clever homage to the cover of the novel. Even his use of 3D works well, particularly in shots from water level. For once the much-abused 3D adjective immersive seems appropriate. The art direction and visual effects are spectacular, and Mychael Danna contributes a fine music score. At the centre of the film lies an amazing performance from newcomer Suraj Sharma, who conveys the grief, bravery, faith and hope of Pi in a way that could lead to an Oscar nomination.

It's only fair to point out that the film (like the book) buys into the New Age notion that all religions are essentially valid. This is utter nonsense, as Hinduism, Christianity and Islam are most emphatically not compatible. Nor are they all true, as Pi believes. Against this, it is very refreshing to see a story where the subject of God is treated seriously, and the name of Jesus is revered. Pi's adventure on the open sea is an excellent metaphor for the crucible of faith, asking the age old question of why bad things happen to good people, and can God really care about us in the face of such seeming hopelessness. Life of Pi acknowledges the spiritual void that exists in humanity without taking a particular religious viewpoint. This is particularly evident in the finale, which can be read a number of different ways, depending on one's own personal beliefs.

Everything I loved about Life of Pi the book is present and magnified for the big screen. The only element I missed - the rigorous defence of zoos - is an aside in the novel, so incorporating it would have been tricky. Also Lee chooses to cut away from the really gruesome stuff to retain a PG certificate, but this is ultimately a wise choice and actually enhances the narrative (particularly in the finale).

Here, if you will forgive me, I would like to add a brief personal note given that this is my last review of 2012. I found Life of Pi all the more intensely moving because I lost my father this year. Anyone who has been through a similar experience lately will also find this a deeply cathartic, life-affirming and possibly even faith-affirming experience, in spite of the story's New Age worldview. For that reason alone, I highly recommend seeing this unexpected journey, as well the one directed by Peter Jackson.