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Life of Pi (film)

Life of Pi is a 2012 adventure-drama film directed and produced by Ang Lee and written by David Magee.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Life of Pi is a 2012 adventure-drama film directed and produced by Ang Lee and written by David Magee. It is based on Yann Martel’s 2001 novel and follows Pi Patel, an Indian boy who survives a shipwreck and drifts across the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. The film is known for its visual style and its themes of survival, faith, and storytelling.

Plot

The film centres on Pi Patel, a young Indian boy whose family’s ship sinks during a voyage to Canada. He survives on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger and other animals, and the narrative explores survival, faith, and the nature of storytelling.

Production and adaptation

Life of Pi adapts Yann Martel’s novel for the screen with a screenplay by David Magee. Ang Lee directed and produced the film, which cast Suraj Sharma in his first film role as Pi.

Release and reception

The film premiered in 2012 and was widely discussed for its visual effects and use of 3D imagery. Public-facing film listings identify it as an adventure-drama and note a theatrical release date of November 21, 2012.

Themes

The film is commonly associated with themes of survival, spirituality, and ambiguity in storytelling. Its central relationship between Pi and Richard Parker frames the story’s psychological and philosophical elements.

Key facts

  • Life of Pi is a 2012 adventure-drama film directed by Ang Lee and adapted from Yann Martel’s 2001 novel.
  • The story follows Pi Patel, who survives 227 days on a lifeboat after a shipwreck, accompanied by a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.
  • Suraj Sharma made his film debut as Pi Patel.
  • The film was released theatrically on November 21, 2012.
  • The narrative is linked to Canada as the Patel family’s intended destination.
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Canadian context

The story is linked to Canada because the fictional Patel family is described as moving to Canada, and several descriptions of the plot highlight Canada as their intended destination.[5][6]

Frequently asked questions

What is Life of Pi?
Life of Pi is a 2012 adventure-drama film directed by Ang Lee and based on Yann Martel’s novel.
Who stars in Life of Pi?
The film stars Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Tabu, Rafe Spall, Gérard Depardieu, and Adil Hussain.
What is the story about?
It follows Pi Patel, who survives a shipwreck and spends 227 days on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.
When was the film released?
Life of Pi was released theatrically on November 21, 2012.
What is the source novel?
The film is based on Life of Pi, a 2001 novel by Yann Martel.
Who directed the film?
Ang Lee directed and produced Life of Pi.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_of_Pi_(film)
    Supports: Director, writers, cast, plot synopsis, 227-day lifeboat survival, adaptation from Yann Martel’s novel
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/life_of_pi
    Supports: Release date, genre, plot synopsis, director, runtime, thematic framing involving the family moving to Canada
  3. Simple English Wikipedia — https://www.simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_of_Pi_(movie)
    Supports: Release year, awards summary, director, adaptation from the novel, Suraj Sharma starring role