Here in the Hills

Monday, January 28, 2013

life of pi

"LIFE OF PI"

This is a beautiful film. A "Special" picture, in every way....It is about survival, and love and belief in a higher power, and, it's about struggle--against all odds, too....and, believe it or not, it is quite funny, as well.

I was not familiar with the book so this film is my only knowledge of this truly wonderful story.....

Ang Lee directed this lovely inspiring film, and it is a real gem! I would say....do not walk to your nearest theatre---Run, to your nearest theatre----this film is not to be missed.

There is a reason that this film received 11 nominations from the Academy. And it deserves every one of them. Each branch of the Academy votes on their peer group....Writers for writing; Directors for directing, Editors for editing, and so on and so forth...the largest number of members are the Actors group and they vote on all the acting categories....then, the entire Academy Membership votes on Best Picture.

Frankly, I don't understand the vote counting process at all---and though I have read the explanation a number of times over these last few years, is sounds like Higher Calculus in Chinese, to me.....I am not a film Academy member, so it doesn't effect me and my voting in SAG.

What I do know is---IF I were able to vote for BEST PICTURE, "Life Of Pi" would be my choice. Nothing against the other eight Best Picture nominees, All of them are worthy---some more than others. For me, this is The One!

I've never seen another film like it, ever, ever.

I watched it twice.

I could watch it again, right now!

More To Come

Note: All that I am writing about involving the films I've seen over these last weeks is just my personal subjective opinion---yes, some of my opinions are based in experience and knowledge from working in the Theatre and Television as a writer, composer and actress, etc., etc., for over 60 years, but still it is a subjective opinion. And so other people may feel otherwise and I respect that! So, there you have it, my dears! Other reviews will follow....

25 Comments:

rashbre had this to say:: That's very interesting, what you say about the quality of this film. I've been reading the book but haven't finished it yet (I'm about half way through).

I've been really enjoying it, and it made me decide not to see the film until I've finished it - because I expect they treat some things differently in the movie.

I guess I'll need to speed up my reading now, based upon your very positive report.; Monday, January 28, 2013 at 2:18:00 AM PST
Jojo had this to say:: I'd been waiting for your reviews and comments to start. This film was fantastic and though it had been years since I read the book, I still felt the film did a beautiful job of capturing the story. Like you I would like to see it again because the film is worth seeing twice. Mothered are still many nominated films which I haven't seen but I'm hoping to see as many as I can before the awards. It makes watching the awards coverage so much more fun.; Monday, January 28, 2013 at 3:52:00 AM PST
Arkansas Patti had this to say:: OK, you have me convinced. However, there is no movie theater any where near me so I will have to rely on the small screen and Netflix. Hope that doesn't lessen the magic.
Thanks Naomi.; Monday, January 28, 2013 at 4:42:00 AM PST
LL Cool Joe had this to say:: Sounds like a must see film to me then! I know nothing about it, but sounds like I must check it out. Maybe I'll see it in the States. We will be over there in a month.; Monday, January 28, 2013 at 12:23:00 PM PST
Vagabonde had this to say:: I had not read the book but I saw the film. You know his name PI is short for Piscine which means swimming pool in French. That one that used to be open in Paris – it was called Piscine Molitor. Well, I used to go there all the time to swim, and in winter it was an ice skating ring – such memories. I saw the movie in 3D – it was gorgeous. I heard that the director had to build a self-generating water tank – the largest of its kind in the world. He also found the actor, Suraj Sharma in Delhi, among 3000 candidates. The film is magical – it’s what we go to the movies to see – glorious pictures and pure fantasy. I agree with your review Naomi.; Monday, January 28, 2013 at 3:29:00 PM PST
Diane J Standiford had this to say:: WOW, I can't wait to see it!; Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 11:27:00 AM PST
Bernie had this to say:: I'm yet to see this movie, a mate watched it in 3D yesterday, so I am still waiting for a review from him (from a guys perspective...). But, from what I have seen of it, I am a little cautious of the amount of CGI, as some of the scenes don't look at all 'real', if you know what I mean. I had the same experience when I saw Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe!

Having said that, it is getting rave reviews here in Australia!

So I will try and see it, without bias, and will let you know my thoughts of it!; Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 2:32:00 PM PST
VV had this to say:: M read the book a while back and then saw the movie. It's my understanding that the ending in the book was glossed over in the movie, changing the story so it wasn't as disturbing. Each of the animals in the story represented people he was on the life raft with, you can use your imagination about what he ate while lost at sea and how he survived. I haven't read the book or seen the movie, myself, but M said it was visually breathtaking.; Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 6:16:00 PM PST
Riot Kitty had this to say:: I like your personal subjective opinions, both here and in comments on blogs :); Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 8:02:00 PM PST
Lynn had this to say:: I loved the book, but haven't seen the film yet. I've meant to and should see it while it's still on the big screen.; Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 3:16:00 AM PST
DesLily had this to say:: oh wow! what a review!!! I will have to see if it is still around here (I've only seen The Hobbit). There are many I would like to see but it's not easy for me to "do movies" anymore. This was on my radar anyway and now your thoughts make it a must see!; Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 11:44:00 AM PST
The Unbearable Banishment had this to say:: I liked it, too, but the dog-gone 3D glasses started to hurt in the second hour and it took me out of the story a bit. The effect was beautiful, but what's the worth if it distracts from the movie? I'm a 2D man from now on.; Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 1:03:00 PM PST
Shionge had this to say:: Oh I have not given this a thought really but after this, I shall give it a go :D; Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 3:53:00 PM PST
sonia a. mascaro had this to say:: I had not read the book, but I would love to see the film as soon as possible. As always, I love your reviews and oponion.
Unfortunately there is no movie theater near my house, so I will have to rent the video or see it on Netflix.
Thanks dear Naomi!; Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 10:14:00 AM PST
Anonymous had this to say:: I did read the book and couldn't imagine how it would translate to film. Then I heard the music this weekend, and now your recommendation, so I'm definitely going. Thanks.; Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 1:06:00 PM PST
Dianne had this to say:: I love your reviews because they're always full of passion for the art.

I wasn't sure I was going to see this one but now I am.

Hugs from me and Hope; Friday, February 1, 2013 at 7:54:00 AM PST
Nikki - Notes of Life had this to say:: Sounds wonderful! I'm going to have to catch up on these films :); Friday, February 1, 2013 at 12:22:00 PM PST
nbrsspot.blogspot.com had this to say:: I will have to check this one out. Not sure when but soon. Hope all is well with you. I havent been around much and wish i had more time to be around. Miss all my friends and all the comments I used to get. Everyone has let me for Facebook I see.; Friday, February 1, 2013 at 1:05:00 PM PST
Unknown had this to say:: I am going to see this next week Naomi. I love your reviews and totally trust your opinion. So looking forward to your other reviews too, especially Les miserables. I shall come back and let you know what I think when I have seen it.

I had the same problems with Blogger too but glad you persevered. And it is great you have a new computer, it's a new lease of life.; Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 1:01:00 AM PST
colleen had this to say:: I was not attracted to it at all, but now I will seek it out. I somehow thought it was a children's fantasy movie.; Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 6:44:00 AM PST
Jeanie had this to say:: I was hoping that as the screeners came to your door, you would share your thoughts with us. I haven't seen this film yet, but I adored the book, so I look forward to it. I'm glad you liked it, too!; Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 8:04:00 AM PST
Shammickite had this to say:: Life of Pi is one of the films I really really want to see.... the book was great, and written by a CANADIAN too! I need to find someone to go to the movies with. Too bad you can't join me, Naomi!; Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 1:15:00 PM PST
Sallie (FullTime-Life) had this to say:: Loved the book, was a little afraid to see the movie b/c I was afraid it would be 'hoked' up. Wish I'd read your review sooner; hope I can still find the movie. It's great to read a review from someone in my 'age range' who has all the inside knowledge. Appreciate your sharing.; Sunday, February 3, 2013 at 10:56:00 AM PST
Deana had this to say:: This gets such great reviews. I really must get to see it. I am a bit mad at myself for not making more of an effort to see it when it played in theaters here. The book is on my shelf to start reading.; Monday, February 4, 2013 at 6:01:00 PM PST
Pat had this to say:: I am reading the book and enjoying it immensely. I would dearly love to see the film later on.; Monday, February 18, 2013 at 2:57:00 AM PST