I have not read the book, but I did just see the movie. I believe neither story is true, because both stories are fictional aspects of a fictional movie. I wonder how many people allowed their emotions to overrule their reasons due to the god aspect which seemed to be the main focus of the movie.
The book is better than the movie overall, but the movie tries very hard to be a good representative of the book. I was quite impressed at how well they stuck to the overall story, and with how much of the subplot they were able to fit into, and portray in the film. The film has some absolutely amazing scenes in it; and I can't imagine a movie ever being made as well in 3d (though I'm sure one will eventually). But the book is a must read if you liked or loved the film.
I found the book a bit hard going at first but it gets better as you go along. Like the movie I guess! I've not finished the book yet but the feeling i got from the film is that how the animals were interpretations of the people on the boat, the taming of the imaginary tiger was an interpretation of him(self) wrestling with his emotions after murdering someone/death of his mother. The island his redemption. So when he asks the author which he believed, he's effectively asking if her is a good man or not. That's my take anyway...
The book was better, as usual. I have seen far worse adaptations, though. I didn't get the impression the tiger was imaginary when reading the book.
I thought the same, I was surprised how loyal to the book it was. I enjoyed the book a lot more, but the movie had the same feeling. My favorite scene in the movie was the carnivorous island. It was exactly how I imagined it to be.
I really liked this movie a lot. I believe the story with the tiger, for the same reason the narrator said.
I love this movie so much - and I have also read the book - the scene where the tiger is staring into the water and you see what's in its mind always tears me up. His dad was wrong - when you look into an animals eyes, you can see it has a soul.
I loved the book! I waited for about 7 years for a movie to be released: the story is beautifully written and it's one of the most emotionally captivating things I've read in my life. It's a great book for anyone caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to religion and self-identity and it takes a very brave position therein! Personally, I love Pi's decision. I'm not religious, myself, but I was raised Christian. So I identified with his dilemma and could respect his love and appreciation for 3 otherwise conflicting faiths...and I was excited to see a movie take on the challenge. Instead, I was disappointed. Sure, the cinematography was outstanding and the acting good for a kid who was basically talking to himself on a sound stage every day of filming. But they strayed too far from the book, I think. It was like eating a delicious meal and not tasting any of it. As for which story I believe, I believe Pi was the tiger. Religion is about finding a story and an identity that comforts you and gives you something to hold on to for security, something to keep you going. Pi became a bit of a god himself, finding in him a great and horrifying power to survive at all costs, especially after his last tie to his old life, his mother, died. I don't know why the producers and artistic directors made the choices they did when they adapted the book for the screen. Other than it being visually appealing, I still think the story pales in comparison to the actual book. Long live literature!
