“To survive is to live on. To know the truth is to believe it’s real.”

I’ll start by saying this is hands down one of the most ethereal cinematic experiences I’ve ever seen.

Life of Pi presents us with two different stories, leaving it up to the viewer to decide which one is real and which one is not.

The Two Stories

The film follows Pi Patel—played by Suraj Sharma (young Pi) and Irrfan Khan (adult Pi)—as he recounts his life to a journalist (Rafe Spall). He describes his childhood, how he got his nickname, and the cultural and religious influences that shaped him. Unconventionally, he followed multiple religions at once, drawing meaning from each.

Then, Patel shares the first story.

I won’t spoil it because it’s something you have to experience for yourself. But what I will say is that the visual portrayal of the ocean in this film is breathtaking. Most scenes are obviously CGI, yet surprisingly, places with waters that look just as surreal do exist. If you ever find them—please, take me with you.

After Patel finishes his story, he explains that, while recovering in a hospital, he was questioned by Japanese investigators about the shipwreck. He tells them the same story he just told the journalist, but they refuse to believe it. Instead, they ask for a version that is simpler, something that makes logical sense.

So, Patel gives them what they want.

He tells them a different story. A story that they can “believe.”

This is story #2.

Which Story Do You Believe?

In the end, Life of Pi forces us to ask ourselves: What is the truth?

• Was Richard Parker (the tiger) just Pi himself?
• Was the cook the hyena? Or just a man?
• Was his mother the orangutan? Or did she die in the shipwreck?
• Was Pi simply insane?

It’s up to you to decide.

Suraj Sharma’s performance as young Pi was absolutely spectacular. The level of acting required to make his character come alive—pretending to interact with a tiger that wasn’t really there, conveying pure isolation, desperation, and survival—is something that cannot be overstated. Major props to him and the digital artists behind this film.

I’ve heard some people say this movie was “garbage,” but I forgot to ask why.

Personally, I think Life of Pi is one of the best films ever made about this kind of existential, psychological, and spiritual topic. So, I find it hard to understand where the criticism comes from.

Maybe some viewers took issue with the film’s “unbelievable” elements, but let’s be honest—every movie dramatizes things. That’s part of storytelling.

Perhaps the religious aspect of the film put some people off. Pi’s embrace of multiple religions is unconventional, and some might find it unrealistic or offensive. But beyond that, I struggle to find a legitimate reason for the hate.

If you enjoy stunning visuals, thought-provoking narratives, and stories that blur the line between reality and fiction, Life of Pi is a must-watch.

Which story do you believe?