I concur 200%. Christians must disagree with this film. Life of Pi offends Christians. It suggests that faith is simply a blind belief in a fairy tale.
Jesus said: "I gave them your Word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth. Your Word is truth." John 17: 14-17.
In 2013, Wes McAdam’s published his Christian review of Ang Lee’s 2012 film Life of Pi. The film is about an Indian teenager, Pi Patel, who survives nine grueling months on a lifeboat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with an endangered Bengal Tiger. The story of his adventures and survival capitalizes on his discovery of God through Hinduism, Catholicism, and Islam, which offends Mr. McAdam’s strict Christian faith. Utilizing the seven digital media keys, we can filter the biases and discover the true beauty of Faith and God through hardships.
The First Media Key: Balance
Wes McAdam’s acknowledges the beauty and thoughtfulness of the film. Striking and astonishing graphical editing contributes to the collective cinematography, making it one of the most beautiful films of our generation. McAdam’s review claims he had to rewatch the film to gain a better understanding of the symptomatic meaning of the film. Coming from an extremely radical Christian perspective, he claims the movie’s exploration of religion through Pi Patel’s own self-discovery as whimsical and preferential. The reviewer claims, “The idea that every religion leads to God is a philosophy conjured up by those who know nothing of the religions about which they speak.” While I am a Christian, I would insist that McAdam’s statement is not grounded in the philosophy of balance. “ By keeping an open mind about media and looking at it from all angles we can have more informed and balanced opinions. We don’t run the risk of tmissing out on great films such as Saving Private Ryan simply because they dont’t conform to pre- conceived notions about what is and what is not acceptable viewings for Catholics) ( Gan, pg. 29 3rd paragraph) . McAdam’s review creates a narrative that our different faiths can only contradict each other. Watching this movie over a dozen times throughout the years, I would argue that Pi comes to religion through Hinduism and encounters Christ through Catholicism and Islam. While the differences are evident, it seems as though Pi integrates the similarities in a way that is consequential to him. It is in his spirit to use his faith to cope and to find meaning in his pain and suffering which is relatable to all human beings.
The Second Media Key: Attitude Awareness
I found McAdam’s review on radicallychristian.com. Acknowledging this review would come from a very conservative Christian perspective, most of his audience would agree with McAdam’s synopsis of the religions reflected in the film. It is his tone that seems to warrant a lack of awareness and respect towards other religions. There is a condescending tone that feels like a judgment because it is not strictly representative of his literal belief in Christ. “In our culture, Pi would be the poster child for the way religion “should be.” The world believes Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, etc. should simply be seen as different paths, leading to the same place – God. They believe we should accept every path as an equally valid means of reaching God.”( McAdams) What I believe is missing in his review is that religion is about reaching God and Faith is about experiencing Him. I couldnt be sure but I would imagine that was the attitude of the producers and directions of the film.
The Third Digital Media Key: Dignity of the Human Person
While his critique of the portrayal of different religions and how there is only one right way to believe, he never shames Pi as a person. His article emphasizes the theological contradictions of the religions practiced by Pi, rather than the spirituality and faith that help him endure his ordeal. Instead of focusing on Pi’s humanity, we are forced to object to his spiritual motivations because of the reviewer's rigid and one-dimensional way of understanding God. Human suffering, hunger, and loss are some of the main themes throughout the story. These all have to do with the human condition and how loss of conneections impact the spirit and soul.
The Fourth Digital Media Key: Truth- Filled
While his tone is rigid, this is the strongest of the keys represented in his review. McAdams is committed to preaching the truth about Christianity and the fact that there is only one true Saviour and Son of God, who died for us because He loved us. Life of Pi is a story within a story about an Indian boy whos shipwrecked in the middle of the Pacific with a few other castaways who managed to escape by lifeboat. These castaways kill each other one by one until only Pi is left. The parallel that Pi insists occurred is that He survived out there with a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, a rat, and a Bengal Tiger that ended up fulfilling the details of his heroing ordeal. McAdam’s emphasizes the importance of what is true by rejecting the parallel narrative offered by Pi. As it implies, Faith is based “on the better story” and not the objective truth that aligns with our Christian faith. I would suggest that the Bible uses parables to teach truths all the time. Some things are just metaphorical and have a compelling effect. As Dr Gan explains on pg 71 of Inifinite Bandwidth “ Just because fairies and orcs and elves dont exist, doesnt mean movies about fairies and orcs and elves cant convery some deep truths about human existence (1st paragraph.
The Fifth Digital Media Key: Inspiring
The sentiment of the review was not one of inspiration. It was an honest review that became defensive of theological correctness. This was a missed opportunity as the film's spiritual themes and motivations could incite dialogue about one’s own journey through faith. Pi came to know God through Hinduism and his experience with the Catholic and Islamic teachings. It seems it could have led to a deeper discussion about what unites us rather than what separates us. Instead he says “Although it was certainly an entertaining film, it ought to be a film which offends Christians deeply. It is condescending to its core to suggest that faith is simply a blind belief in a fairy tale.”
The Sixth Digital Media Key: Skillfully Created
The review was clearly written and well structured. After summarizing the film, he offers his unique and radical Christian perspective backed by scripture and theological truths. The review itself is intended for Christian audiences and is based on Christian principles. It does not lend its opinion on the award-winning and visually stunning masterpiece that resonated with so many other film enthusiasts that it won awards. I dont think Wes McAdam’s is a movie critic based on knowledge of film expertise but rather a critic of morality depicted in films.
The Seventh Digital Media Key: Motivated By And Relavant To Experience
Personally I believe the review is only relevant to extreme faith based individuals who limit even fictional stories because they take the narrative literally. Its strict and suffocating energy could limit engagement for those exploring the film and the themes it presents. This movie has meant so much to me in my own spiritual journey. I grew up within the Church and practiced my faith in my own endeavors, and it was a huge part of my life. I was a VBS teacher, an Eucharistic minister, a Sunday teacher, and a lector for St. Mary’s where I was raised. I have always gone through the motions with my religion. I went to mass every weekend and prayed to God, but something about this story compelled something deeper in me. God is everywhere if you're seeking Him, and it is not just at Church. It is in those trials and suffering, the joys and triumphs of life when I felt God the most. He was with me in this journey, and no matter how much scripture I read and quoted I found my peace is rooted in my spiritual connection with God and not how much of the Bible I knew.
The Academy Award winning film Life of Pi was released in 2012 by 20th Century Studios, directed by Ang Lee featuring remarkable work done by cinematographer Claudia Miranda. The film is based on author Yann Martel’s book of the same name which was published in 2001. It is a survival story of a stranded cast away stuck on a life boat with a tiger.
The movie unfolds as an author meets Piscene Patel because he was told that he had a story that would make him believe in God. Pi begins to narrate to him the story of his life and upbringing in Pondicherry, India. He grew up Hindu and was introduced to Christ and to Islam soon after. He begins practicing all three religions at the dismay of his atheist father. Due to political unrest, Pi’s father decides they must leave India and sail to Canada where they can sell their animals and establish themselves. They leave on a Japanese freighter bound for Canada. As they cross the Pacific Ocean they encounter a storm that sinks the ship. Pi survives on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger enduring violent storms, starvation, and isolation while forming a risky relationship with the wild animal. During those harrowing days at sea the duo experienced loss, pain, and even some miracles along the way. After being rescued in Mexico where his lifeboat washed ashore, he was questioned about his experience by Insurance companies trying to figure out why the ship sank. Pi tells an unbelievable story about his survival along with a zebra, a hyena, an orangutan, and a terrifying Bengal Tiger. Questioned further he shares another story of survivng on a boat with animals replaced by people. His mother, a Japanese buddhist, the ship’s cook and himself. In this version the sailor dies and the cook eats him and kill’s Pi’s mother days later. After this Pi kills his mother’s killer. His tale is an allegory for the other, The story deals with themes of suffering, faith, truth, and survival.
The First Media Key: Balance
“Essentially the Church tells us that a balanced view of the media enables us to “not only understand the form proper to each of the arts but also practice mature consideration and judgement on the various items which the film or television put before them.” (Gan pg 29 p. 4)( FTF 59) Losing his parents and brother, Ravi, in the shipwreck, Pi is alone and devastated while enduring the challenges of survival. It is within this turmoil that we witness Pi’s love and respect for God’s moral order but also his respect for natural law, understanding the perplexities of his fragile circumstances. It is his father’s lesson that demonstrated the nature of the beast, Richard Parker, the tiger. He is forced to watch the wild animal kill and eat a goat after ignorantly trying to befriend and feed the tiger. Although it stripped him of his innocence, it prepared him for the realities of the dangers he would one day face with his fellow castaway. It is with temporance that we “moderate the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods. (Gan, pg.31 p4) There is a darkness to the realities Pi faces that are countered with moments of magic and triumph providing balance for the themes presented in the film.
The Second Media Key: Attitude Awareness
“What we see affects us,"(Gan, pg 37 p3) Which is why it is important to beware of the different messages these films are attempting to reveal. Meaning “what is it trying to convey to me?” In this film, Pi is a self-proclaimed “skinny vegetarian boy.” He grew up vegetarian, respecting all forms of life. It is essential to his survival to kill a fish and eat it. He cries and thanks the fish for saving his life. He thanks God for his meal. It is in his weakest moments that Pi calls out to God and even in his gratefulness he prayed for the fish that enabled him to survive. Throughout his plight we witness the lessons his elders had taught him that would later save his life. The swimming lessons from his uncle, Mamagi, while growing up Pi remembers “ a mouth full of water will not harm you, but panic will.” The lessons from his father, about the dangerous wild tiger would make him extremely aware of the fragility of his desperate situation. It is adapting these lessons prudently that enables his survival and transforms him into a protector and provider. Although the film is about a shipwrecked boy, its themes revolve around religion and spirituality. It speaks to how we come to faith and the constant presence of God in his life.
The Third Media Key: Dignity Of The Human Person
“Making man ‘more worthy of man’ that’s the third media key. All media should reflect, uphold, and enhance human dignity”(Gan. Pg52 p4) While most of the film portrays Pi alone at sea on a lifeboat with Richard Parker, the audience is endeared to his caring family and young love for his girlfriend Anondi. It is Pi’s journey that we witness the extent of human condition. In the sinking of the ship, Pi’s loss is monumental in his losing his entire family. We witness his torment when he cries out to them after the ship sinks. That’s the dignity of the human soul being remembered. Another part we witness is Pi’s actual struggle to survive. Even in the midst of his desperation, Pi is able to keep his faith and humanity while emaciated and alone. Gan also mentions that media “should promote the understanding of the human person and human communities. ”(Gan pg. 52 p4) In the film we learn about the Indian community and people of Hindu, Islam, and Christitan faiths.
The Fourth Media Key: Truth-filled
Life of Pi is a fictional story about a man telling a fictitious tale about his survival on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. The circumstances of the tale are unbelievable. One simply cannot imagine the reality of it. However, if we are prudent enough we might be able to decipher some truths that Ang Lee was hoping to portray. On page 71 of Infinite Bandwidth written by Dr. Gan, he quotes the Communio et Progressio reciting” Even when the artist takes flight from the tangible and solid world and pursues his creative fantasies, he can give priceless insight into the human condition. Stories fashioned out of imagination in which the artist creates characters that live and evolve in a world of fiction, these too communicate their special truth. Even though they are not real, they are realistic; for they are made of the very stuff of human life. They even affect those deep causes that rouse men to blaze with life. For in the light, they throw on these causes, the sensitive man may know them for what they really are. And with this knowledge he can begin to foresee the direction that humanity will take.” Throughout the film, Pi questions God and even yells at God as a storm almost kills him and Richard Parker. He’s also honest about doubt which is relatable for someone like me who thinks like a doubting Thomas. It is those vulnerable moments that reveal fear can hinder trust in God.
The Fifth Media Key: Inspiring
“Media should inspire because that’s what media is intended to do.” It is a gift from God “because it can provide inspiration, encouragement...attract people to a fuller experience of the life of Faith and enrich the religious lives of users.” (Gan, pg. 94 p2) While there are obvious contradictions to Pi’s practicing of three different religions there is inspiration in his soul connecting to God enriching him, fulfilling him. Pi is a sole survivor or a shipwreck that killed his whole family nearly killed him. He uses his wit, the lessons from his upbringing, and his faith to survive. This substantiates that the road to Heaven isn’t always peaceful and linear. Sometimes we have to go to hell to become the more fulfilled version of ourlsed.
Winning two Golden Globes and four Academy Awards the movie was clearly masterfully created. The use of special effects, CGI, and brilliant cinematography orchestrated the qualities of story telling in this harrowing tale of survival and faith. The quality of the media was so important as to not limit the powerful allegory of loss and survival. The movie itself only used 4 real tigers to create the identity of Richard Parker. The rest of the film incorporated CGI and special effects to manufacture a life like replica of the same Bengal tiger. This is integral as wel as messages can be misconstrued or hard to comprehend which a media is created without knowledge or skill. To exemplify, if the sound was non-syncronous or character development not executed well could confuse the audience about the messageof the film.
The Seventh Media Key: Relavant to Experience
While not many people can relate to being literally stranded in the middle of the ocean with a tiger, most of us can relate to fear, loss, and spiritual doubt. It is a reflection of the perplexities that surround faith and God that make it relevant to the human experience. It is how the Bible teaches us lessons through stories; there are spiritual allegories that resonate for myself. Adam and Eve, the Ark, David and Goliath, these are all allegories that perpetuate the deeper truths of Faith.
In conclusion, through the Seven Catholic Digital Media Keys, Life of Pi stands out as a faith-centered, truth-filled, and skillfully created, and profound film. It respects human dignity, balances reasonand faith. Ang Lee’s storytelling reveals that, much like faith itself, stories have the power to guide, heal, and give meaning to our lives Ultimately, the film affirms that even in times of profound suffering and uncertainty, faith illuminates the human experience and reveals the presence of God.
Thank you for this synopsis!! I completely agree.
I concur 200%. Christians must disagree with this film. Life of Pi offends Christians. It suggests that faith is simply a blind belief in a fairy tale.
Jesus said: "I gave them your Word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth. Your Word is truth." John 17: 14-17.
In 2013, Wes McAdam’s published his Christian review of Ang Lee’s 2012 film Life of Pi. The film is about an Indian teenager, Pi Patel, who survives nine grueling months on a lifeboat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with an endangered Bengal Tiger. The story of his adventures and survival capitalizes on his discovery of God through Hinduism, Catholicism, and Islam, which offends Mr. McAdam’s strict Christian faith. Utilizing the seven digital media keys, we can filter the biases and discover the true beauty of Faith and God through hardships.
The First Media Key: Balance
Wes McAdam’s acknowledges the beauty and thoughtfulness of the film. Striking and astonishing graphical editing contributes to the collective cinematography, making it one of the most beautiful films of our generation. McAdam’s review claims he had to rewatch the film to gain a better understanding of the symptomatic meaning of the film. Coming from an extremely radical Christian perspective, he claims the movie’s exploration of religion through Pi Patel’s own self-discovery as whimsical and preferential. The reviewer claims, “The idea that every religion leads to God is a philosophy conjured up by those who know nothing of the religions about which they speak.” While I am a Christian, I would insist that McAdam’s statement is not grounded in the philosophy of balance. “ By keeping an open mind about media and looking at it from all angles we can have more informed and balanced opinions. We don’t run the risk of tmissing out on great films such as Saving Private Ryan simply because they dont’t conform to pre- conceived notions about what is and what is not acceptable viewings for Catholics) ( Gan, pg. 29 3rd paragraph) . McAdam’s review creates a narrative that our different faiths can only contradict each other. Watching this movie over a dozen times throughout the years, I would argue that Pi comes to religion through Hinduism and encounters Christ through Catholicism and Islam. While the differences are evident, it seems as though Pi integrates the similarities in a way that is consequential to him. It is in his spirit to use his faith to cope and to find meaning in his pain and suffering which is relatable to all human beings.
The Second Media Key: Attitude Awareness
I found McAdam’s review on radicallychristian.com. Acknowledging this review would come from a very conservative Christian perspective, most of his audience would agree with McAdam’s synopsis of the religions reflected in the film. It is his tone that seems to warrant a lack of awareness and respect towards other religions. There is a condescending tone that feels like a judgment because it is not strictly representative of his literal belief in Christ. “In our culture, Pi would be the poster child for the way religion “should be.” The world believes Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, etc. should simply be seen as different paths, leading to the same place – God. They believe we should accept every path as an equally valid means of reaching God.”( McAdams) What I believe is missing in his review is that religion is about reaching God and Faith is about experiencing Him. I couldnt be sure but I would imagine that was the attitude of the producers and directions of the film.
The Third Digital Media Key: Dignity of the Human Person
While his critique of the portrayal of different religions and how there is only one right way to believe, he never shames Pi as a person. His article emphasizes the theological contradictions of the religions practiced by Pi, rather than the spirituality and faith that help him endure his ordeal. Instead of focusing on Pi’s humanity, we are forced to object to his spiritual motivations because of the reviewer's rigid and one-dimensional way of understanding God. Human suffering, hunger, and loss are some of the main themes throughout the story. These all have to do with the human condition and how loss of conneections impact the spirit and soul.
The Fourth Digital Media Key: Truth- Filled
While his tone is rigid, this is the strongest of the keys represented in his review. McAdams is committed to preaching the truth about Christianity and the fact that there is only one true Saviour and Son of God, who died for us because He loved us. Life of Pi is a story within a story about an Indian boy whos shipwrecked in the middle of the Pacific with a few other castaways who managed to escape by lifeboat. These castaways kill each other one by one until only Pi is left. The parallel that Pi insists occurred is that He survived out there with a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, a rat, and a Bengal Tiger that ended up fulfilling the details of his heroing ordeal. McAdam’s emphasizes the importance of what is true by rejecting the parallel narrative offered by Pi. As it implies, Faith is based “on the better story” and not the objective truth that aligns with our Christian faith. I would suggest that the Bible uses parables to teach truths all the time. Some things are just metaphorical and have a compelling effect. As Dr Gan explains on pg 71 of Inifinite Bandwidth “ Just because fairies and orcs and elves dont exist, doesnt mean movies about fairies and orcs and elves cant convery some deep truths about human existence (1st paragraph.
The Fifth Digital Media Key: Inspiring
The sentiment of the review was not one of inspiration. It was an honest review that became defensive of theological correctness. This was a missed opportunity as the film's spiritual themes and motivations could incite dialogue about one’s own journey through faith. Pi came to know God through Hinduism and his experience with the Catholic and Islamic teachings. It seems it could have led to a deeper discussion about what unites us rather than what separates us. Instead he says “Although it was certainly an entertaining film, it ought to be a film which offends Christians deeply. It is condescending to its core to suggest that faith is simply a blind belief in a fairy tale.”
The Sixth Digital Media Key: Skillfully Created
The review was clearly written and well structured. After summarizing the film, he offers his unique and radical Christian perspective backed by scripture and theological truths. The review itself is intended for Christian audiences and is based on Christian principles. It does not lend its opinion on the award-winning and visually stunning masterpiece that resonated with so many other film enthusiasts that it won awards. I dont think Wes McAdam’s is a movie critic based on knowledge of film expertise but rather a critic of morality depicted in films.
The Seventh Digital Media Key: Motivated By And Relavant To Experience
Personally I believe the review is only relevant to extreme faith based individuals who limit even fictional stories because they take the narrative literally. Its strict and suffocating energy could limit engagement for those exploring the film and the themes it presents. This movie has meant so much to me in my own spiritual journey. I grew up within the Church and practiced my faith in my own endeavors, and it was a huge part of my life. I was a VBS teacher, an Eucharistic minister, a Sunday teacher, and a lector for St. Mary’s where I was raised. I have always gone through the motions with my religion. I went to mass every weekend and prayed to God, but something about this story compelled something deeper in me. God is everywhere if you're seeking Him, and it is not just at Church. It is in those trials and suffering, the joys and triumphs of life when I felt God the most. He was with me in this journey, and no matter how much scripture I read and quoted I found my peace is rooted in my spiritual connection with God and not how much of the Bible I knew.
Kristen Campbell
COM 123
Movie Review- Life of Pi
Title: Life of Pi
Director: Ang Lee
Distributor: 20th Century Studios
Genre: Adventure, Fiction
MPAA rating: PG
USCCB rating: N/A
My rating: 5 out of 5
Primary audience: Adults and Mature Teens
Year of release: 2012
The Academy Award winning film Life of Pi was released in 2012 by 20th Century Studios, directed by Ang Lee featuring remarkable work done by cinematographer Claudia Miranda. The film is based on author Yann Martel’s book of the same name which was published in 2001. It is a survival story of a stranded cast away stuck on a life boat with a tiger.
The movie unfolds as an author meets Piscene Patel because he was told that he had a story that would make him believe in God. Pi begins to narrate to him the story of his life and upbringing in Pondicherry, India. He grew up Hindu and was introduced to Christ and to Islam soon after. He begins practicing all three religions at the dismay of his atheist father. Due to political unrest, Pi’s father decides they must leave India and sail to Canada where they can sell their animals and establish themselves. They leave on a Japanese freighter bound for Canada. As they cross the Pacific Ocean they encounter a storm that sinks the ship. Pi survives on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger enduring violent storms, starvation, and isolation while forming a risky relationship with the wild animal. During those harrowing days at sea the duo experienced loss, pain, and even some miracles along the way. After being rescued in Mexico where his lifeboat washed ashore, he was questioned about his experience by Insurance companies trying to figure out why the ship sank. Pi tells an unbelievable story about his survival along with a zebra, a hyena, an orangutan, and a terrifying Bengal Tiger. Questioned further he shares another story of survivng on a boat with animals replaced by people. His mother, a Japanese buddhist, the ship’s cook and himself. In this version the sailor dies and the cook eats him and kill’s Pi’s mother days later. After this Pi kills his mother’s killer. His tale is an allegory for the other, The story deals with themes of suffering, faith, truth, and survival.
The First Media Key: Balance
“Essentially the Church tells us that a balanced view of the media enables us to “not only understand the form proper to each of the arts but also practice mature consideration and judgement on the various items which the film or television put before them.” (Gan pg 29 p. 4)( FTF 59) Losing his parents and brother, Ravi, in the shipwreck, Pi is alone and devastated while enduring the challenges of survival. It is within this turmoil that we witness Pi’s love and respect for God’s moral order but also his respect for natural law, understanding the perplexities of his fragile circumstances. It is his father’s lesson that demonstrated the nature of the beast, Richard Parker, the tiger. He is forced to watch the wild animal kill and eat a goat after ignorantly trying to befriend and feed the tiger. Although it stripped him of his innocence, it prepared him for the realities of the dangers he would one day face with his fellow castaway. It is with temporance that we “moderate the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods. (Gan, pg.31 p4) There is a darkness to the realities Pi faces that are countered with moments of magic and triumph providing balance for the themes presented in the film.
The Second Media Key: Attitude Awareness
“What we see affects us,"(Gan, pg 37 p3) Which is why it is important to beware of the different messages these films are attempting to reveal. Meaning “what is it trying to convey to me?” In this film, Pi is a self-proclaimed “skinny vegetarian boy.” He grew up vegetarian, respecting all forms of life. It is essential to his survival to kill a fish and eat it. He cries and thanks the fish for saving his life. He thanks God for his meal. It is in his weakest moments that Pi calls out to God and even in his gratefulness he prayed for the fish that enabled him to survive. Throughout his plight we witness the lessons his elders had taught him that would later save his life. The swimming lessons from his uncle, Mamagi, while growing up Pi remembers “ a mouth full of water will not harm you, but panic will.” The lessons from his father, about the dangerous wild tiger would make him extremely aware of the fragility of his desperate situation. It is adapting these lessons prudently that enables his survival and transforms him into a protector and provider. Although the film is about a shipwrecked boy, its themes revolve around religion and spirituality. It speaks to how we come to faith and the constant presence of God in his life.
The Third Media Key: Dignity Of The Human Person
“Making man ‘more worthy of man’ that’s the third media key. All media should reflect, uphold, and enhance human dignity”(Gan. Pg52 p4) While most of the film portrays Pi alone at sea on a lifeboat with Richard Parker, the audience is endeared to his caring family and young love for his girlfriend Anondi. It is Pi’s journey that we witness the extent of human condition. In the sinking of the ship, Pi’s loss is monumental in his losing his entire family. We witness his torment when he cries out to them after the ship sinks. That’s the dignity of the human soul being remembered. Another part we witness is Pi’s actual struggle to survive. Even in the midst of his desperation, Pi is able to keep his faith and humanity while emaciated and alone. Gan also mentions that media “should promote the understanding of the human person and human communities. ”(Gan pg. 52 p4) In the film we learn about the Indian community and people of Hindu, Islam, and Christitan faiths.
The Fourth Media Key: Truth-filled
Life of Pi is a fictional story about a man telling a fictitious tale about his survival on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. The circumstances of the tale are unbelievable. One simply cannot imagine the reality of it. However, if we are prudent enough we might be able to decipher some truths that Ang Lee was hoping to portray. On page 71 of Infinite Bandwidth written by Dr. Gan, he quotes the Communio et Progressio reciting” Even when the artist takes flight from the tangible and solid world and pursues his creative fantasies, he can give priceless insight into the human condition. Stories fashioned out of imagination in which the artist creates characters that live and evolve in a world of fiction, these too communicate their special truth. Even though they are not real, they are realistic; for they are made of the very stuff of human life. They even affect those deep causes that rouse men to blaze with life. For in the light, they throw on these causes, the sensitive man may know them for what they really are. And with this knowledge he can begin to foresee the direction that humanity will take.” Throughout the film, Pi questions God and even yells at God as a storm almost kills him and Richard Parker. He’s also honest about doubt which is relatable for someone like me who thinks like a doubting Thomas. It is those vulnerable moments that reveal fear can hinder trust in God.
The Fifth Media Key: Inspiring
“Media should inspire because that’s what media is intended to do.” It is a gift from God “because it can provide inspiration, encouragement...attract people to a fuller experience of the life of Faith and enrich the religious lives of users.” (Gan, pg. 94 p2) While there are obvious contradictions to Pi’s practicing of three different religions there is inspiration in his soul connecting to God enriching him, fulfilling him. Pi is a sole survivor or a shipwreck that killed his whole family nearly killed him. He uses his wit, the lessons from his upbringing, and his faith to survive. This substantiates that the road to Heaven isn’t always peaceful and linear. Sometimes we have to go to hell to become the more fulfilled version of ourlsed.
The Sixth Media Key: Skillfully Created
Winning two Golden Globes and four Academy Awards the movie was clearly masterfully created. The use of special effects, CGI, and brilliant cinematography orchestrated the qualities of story telling in this harrowing tale of survival and faith. The quality of the media was so important as to not limit the powerful allegory of loss and survival. The movie itself only used 4 real tigers to create the identity of Richard Parker. The rest of the film incorporated CGI and special effects to manufacture a life like replica of the same Bengal tiger. This is integral as wel as messages can be misconstrued or hard to comprehend which a media is created without knowledge or skill. To exemplify, if the sound was non-syncronous or character development not executed well could confuse the audience about the messageof the film.
The Seventh Media Key: Relavant to Experience
While not many people can relate to being literally stranded in the middle of the ocean with a tiger, most of us can relate to fear, loss, and spiritual doubt. It is a reflection of the perplexities that surround faith and God that make it relevant to the human experience. It is how the Bible teaches us lessons through stories; there are spiritual allegories that resonate for myself. Adam and Eve, the Ark, David and Goliath, these are all allegories that perpetuate the deeper truths of Faith.
In conclusion, through the Seven Catholic Digital Media Keys, Life of Pi stands out as a faith-centered, truth-filled, and skillfully created, and profound film. It respects human dignity, balances reasonand faith. Ang Lee’s storytelling reveals that, much like faith itself, stories have the power to guide, heal, and give meaning to our lives Ultimately, the film affirms that even in times of profound suffering and uncertainty, faith illuminates the human experience and reveals the presence of God.