Pather Panchali
With the release in 1955 of Satyajit Ray's debut film, an eloquent and important new cinematic voice made itself heard all over the world. A depiction of rural Bengali life in a style inspired by Italian neorealism, PANTHER PANCHALI's naturalistic but poetic evocation of a number of years in the life of a family introduces us to both little Apu (Subir Banerjee) and, just as essentially, the women who will help shape him: his independent older sister, Durga; his harried mother, Sarbajaya, who, with her husband away, must hold the family together; and his kindly and mischievous elderly "auntie," Indir--vivid, multifaceted characters all.
With resplendent photography informed by its young protagonist's perpetual sense of discovery, PANTHER PANCHALI, which won an award for Best Human Document at Cannes, is an immersive cinematic experience and a film of elemental power.
Winner Best Film and Best Director at the 1957 San Francisco International Film Festival
Running Time
126 mins
Year
1955
Kanopy ID
1220946
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Comments (11)
Kills your heart with music, visual construction, for struggle of existence, loss of innocence. One of the most powerfully emotional films.
I've never seen it. Want to. Never have.
I've seen 2 of the movies in the trilogy---this one and Aparajito, and they are among the "best" movies I've ever seen. Can't find The World of Apu, though. Such intimacy with the characters and so real!
Is this version the remastered edition that Criterion was working on? How great are the subtitles? Thanks.
There are many lenses that can be used to view this film--it is a master piece. The simplest things in life seem to make Apu and his sister happy--they had no electricity or TV but yet the children were thrilled to listen to old aunt/grandma tell them stories. The kids were excited to see a ...Read more
There are many lenses that can be used to view this film--it is a master piece. The simplest things in life seem to make Apu and his sister happy--they had no electricity or TV but yet the children were thrilled to listen to old aunt/grandma tell them stories. The kids were excited to see a train go by. Apu was extremely happy and danced when the family received a letter. Lovely contrast to what makes us happy today. Every moment of this movie is packed with symbolism.
Read lessThis is a very sad story that depicts the harsh conditions and dreadful life that one very impoverished Indian family must endure in-order to stay alive..The film depicts the simple pleasures of children and the enormous sacrifices their parents must make to keep them safe.This film ...Read more
This is a very sad story that depicts the harsh conditions and dreadful life that one very impoverished Indian family must endure in-order to stay alive..The film depicts the simple pleasures of children and the enormous sacrifices their parents must make to keep them safe.This film further dramatizes the family's unyielding spirit to survive against all odds.
Read lessAn absolute masterpiece. The first of the Apu Trilogy, all of which are essential cinema.
A film to remember. Satyajit Ray has created art in a seemingly impossible situation. Highly recommended.
sad but so so good
Beautiful and poignant.
A beautiful debut film from master filmmaker, musician, and novelist Satyajit Ray. I cannot recommend Ray's films enough. See as many as you can.