Life of Pi (2012)
Ang Lee's visually breathtaking survival epic follows a young Indian boy adrift on the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger.
Life of Pi - Movie Information
- Original Title: Life of Pi
- Release Year: 2012
- Directed by: Ang Lee
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Drama
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 2h 7m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: French, Hindi, English, Japanese, Tamil
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 20, 2012 (Canada - PG), November 21, 2012 (United States - PG), December 21, 2012 (United Kingdom - PG), December 26, 2012 (Germany - 12), December 19, 2012 (France - U), November 23, 2012 (India), January 1, 2013 (New Zealand - PG), January 1, 2013 (Australia - PG), December 21, 2012 (Brazil - 10), December 21, 2012 (Mexico), December 20, 2012 (Italy - T), November 30, 2012 (Spain - 7), January 1, 2013 (South Korea - ALL), November 22, 2012 (China)
- Alternative Titles: La vida de Pi (ES), 漂流少年Pi (CN), ZHizn Pi (RU), Hayey Pai (IL), Життя Пi (UA), 라이프 오브 파이 (KR), Cuoc Doi Cua Pi (VN), Pi'nin Həyatı (AZ)
- Production Companies: Fox 2000 Pictures, Dune Entertainment, Ingenious Media, Haishang Films, Netter Productions, Big Screen Productions
- Production Countries: Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States of America
Life of Pi - Plot
The story of an Indian boy named Pi, a zookeeper's son who finds himself in the company of a hyena, zebra, orangutan, and a Bengal tiger after a shipwreck sets them adrift in the Pacific Ocean.
Life of Pi - Trailer
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Life of Pi - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ang Lee
Main Cast
- Suraj Sharma
- Irrfan Khan
- Ayush Tandon
- Gautam Belur
- Adil Hussain
- Tabu
- Ayaan Khan
- Mohd Abbas Khaleeli
- Vibish Sivakumar
- Rafe Spall
Writers
- David Magee
Producers
- Gil Netter
- David Womark
- Ang Lee
- David Lee
Life of Pi - FAQs
Is the Bengal tiger in Life of Pi real?
Richard Parker is a combination of real tigers and CGI. Director Ang Lee used four trained Bengal tigers for reference and on-set work, but the majority of the tiger seen in the film — especially during ocean sequences — was created digitally by visual effects studio Rhythm & Hues, which won an Academy Award for its work.
What does the ending of Life of Pi mean?
The film's ending presents two versions of Pi's survival story: one with animals and one with humans. The ambiguity invites viewers to choose which story they believe, functioning as a metaphor for faith itself — the idea that choosing a more meaningful narrative, even an unverifiable one, is a deeply human act.
Where can you stream Life of Pi?
Life of Pi is available to stream on Max (HBO Max). It can also be rented or purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region. Check JustWatch for the most current streaming options in your area.
Is Life of Pi based on a true story?
No, Life of Pi is not based on a true story. It is adapted from Yann Martel's 2001 Booker Prize-winning novel of the same name. Martel's story is entirely fictional, though it draws on themes of survival, spirituality, and the nature of storytelling that resonate with real human experiences.
Who are the main actors in Life of Pi?
Suraj Sharma stars as the teenage Pi Patel in his feature film debut, with Irrfan Khan portraying the adult Pi narrating the story. The supporting cast includes Adil Hussain as Pi's father, Tabu as his mother, and Rafe Spall as the writer listening to Pi's extraordinary tale.
Did Life of Pi win any Academy Awards?
Yes. Life of Pi won four Academy Awards at the 85th Oscars, including Best Director for Ang Lee, Best Cinematography for Claudio Miranda, Best Visual Effects, and Best Original Score for Mychael Danna. It was nominated for eleven Oscars in total, making it one of the most decorated films of 2013.
What is the age rating for Life of Pi?
Life of Pi is rated PG in the United States by the MPA. The rating reflects some intense sequences involving animal peril, survival violence, and thematically challenging content. The film is generally considered suitable for older children and family viewing, though younger audiences may find certain scenes emotionally intense.
How long is Life of Pi?
Life of Pi has a runtime of 127 minutes, approximately 2 hours and 7 minutes. Directed by Ang Lee, the film uses its runtime to build a sweeping visual and emotional journey, balancing Pi's survival ordeal on the Pacific Ocean with reflective framing sequences told from the perspective of the adult Pi.
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