Normally I would post this on the IRB page, but I figured more people look at this site than my IRB one, plus I'm not really writing what I would consider a full review, especially since I am talking about three films.
The Apu Trilogy is a series of three films done by Indian(Bengal) director Satyajit Ray. The three films are, in order: Pather Panchali(Song of the Little Road), Aparajito(The Unvanquished), and Apur Sansar(The World of Apu). All three films are based off of novels of the same name.
I feel relatively safe in operating under the assumption that most people's (who might read my blog) knowledge of Indian film does not extend much further than a cursory awareness of 'Bollywood'. As such, it is important to note Satyajit Ray's Apu Trilogy falls far outside this category. Ray was heavily inspired by the Italian Neo-realist movement and he sought to reproduce this within his own country (granted I am simplifying things in the cause of short, clear explanation). In each film of the Apu Trilogy, Ray beautifully appropriated the style and spirit of the Italian Neo-Realists while infusing this with his own esthetic sensibilities and fusing this with the nature of Indian culture......or in simpler terms, while it is distinctly neo-realist, it is also distinctly Indian (or as I like to think: Roberto Rossellini meets the Bhagavad Gita).
Any way I do not wish to give anything away about the films themselves beyond to note that the film follows one poor Brahmin family, and one character of that specifically (Apu), through the many life changing, episodic events.
These films have crept up on me in the last couple of weeks since I have viewed them, and by the finish as an audience member I felt like I was part of Apu's family. The beauty of the cinematic images will leave life long imprints in my mind, but combined with the narrative these are films that will work their way inside you and stay there for a long time. There is a reason why The Academy gave Ray a lifetime achievement Oscar and these films play a large part of it.
*note* I have no idea on the availability of these films in regards to your local video rental stores, altough I am sure you could get them on netflix. These films contain nothing "offensive" (that I can think of - no swearing, violence, or sex occurs) so anyone and everyone can enjoy them without worry. As far as buying them is concerned the DVD's are out of print....there is a place that still supposedly carries the DVD's but at $28 I am a little suspicous.
Any way watch the films, I think you'll enjoy them.
The Apu Trilogy, 1955-1959
Posted by Grinth Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at 1:27 AM
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3 comments:
6:59 PM
Thanks for the recommendation! I enjoy watching movies about India (esp since I've been there). The local library actually carry copies of these movies.
3:13 AM
Its interesting to see you write about Satyajit Ray's work. It's even more wonderful to find you appreciating the great Director's films, particularly the Apu Trilogy.In this day and age, with the Western world's knowledge of Indian films being limited to Bollywood masalas, the subleties of Ray films that make them a distinct art form may be easily unrecognized. As the Film Director Akira Kurosawa said:
"Not to have seen the cinema of Ray means existing in the world without seeing the sun or the moon"
Well, I guess you don't belong to that category. Keep up the great work on the posts.
Here's a proud Bengali appreciating your writings about Bengal's pride.
4:34 PM
Thanks for the compliments. It's a shame more people have not been exposed to his work.
Now that things have calmed down for me, I'm looking forward to watching some more of his films. From what I understand "Jalsaghar" and "Kanchenjungha" are also both excellent works of his that are must sees.
...by the way, you wouldn't know of any way to purchase Ray's films would you?
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