The book, by Yann Martel, tells a tale that anyone interested in religion or spirituality can appreciate. It has some slow bits – stay with it. I did not think it would translate to film. But it did. I especially loved it in 3D. Now that the DVD is out, I will be interested to see how it translates to the small(er) screen.
I do not want to spoil the story for you (either the book or the film version), but I will point out two dimensions of this story.
One is that the story examines the relationship between different religions. What does each offer? Might different religions offer different, complementary insights? Might it be possible to draw good from each religion?
The other is that this story explores whether spirituality, belief in God, might enable a different way of looking at the same material.
Read the book. Watch the film.
Life of Pi is possibly my favourite book. I thought the film captured the spirit of it well. Other themes that prompted deep reflection, and which are developed more in the book than in the film, are the spiritual relationship between humans and other animals, and the spiritual lessons we can learn by being around animals and observing them. Yes, read it, see it.