Aparajito

Year: 1957

Grade: B+

Country: India

Director: Ray

Review

(second film in apu trilogy) – the first and second film in the apu trilogy can probably be seen without having seen any of the other films, but the third cannot. my suggestion, though, is to just go ahead and commit to all three films since they’re worthwhile and the themes really do build nicely throughout the series. the films focus on everyday life and the hardship associated with loss. the first film finds apu losing his older sister, in the second he loses his father and mother, and in the third he loses his wife because of his son’s birth. above all, ray is a storyteller and he tells the apu’s story in an intimate, but unaffected cinematic way. he always gets good performances out of the various actors who play apu (four or five total throughout the series) and all the supporting roles as well. i think the third film has the best visual direction and the most intense emotional impact, but it’s also the least consistent. it’s a great series worthy of your time if you’re interested in world cinema.