The World of Apu (1959) by Satyajit Ray — Movie Discussion
Details
By the time The World of Apu (অপুর সংসার) was released, India’s Satyajit Ray had directed not only the first two Apu films but also the masterpiece The Music Room, and was well on his way to becoming a legend. This extraordinary final chapter brings our protagonist’s journey full circle. Apu is now in his early twenties, out of college, and hoping to live as a writer. Alongside his professional ambitions, the film charts his romantic awakening, which occurs as the result of a most unlikely turn of events, and his eventual, fraught fatherhood. Featuring soon-to-be Ray regulars Soumitra Chatterjee and Sharmila Tagore in star-making performances, and demonstrating Ray’s ever more impressive skills as a crafter of pure cinematic imagery, The World of Apu is a moving conclusion to this monumental trilogy.
“The conflict between tradition and modernity is the great theme spanning all three films, which in a sense portray the awakening of India in the first half of the 20th century.” (Britannica)
“One of the most vital and abundant movies ever made … As a piece of craftsmanship, The World of Apu is the finest film of the trilogy.” {Time}
"The great, sad, gentle sweep of The Apu Trilogy remains in the mind of the moviegoer as a promise of what film can be. Standing above fashion, it creates a world so convincing that it becomes, for a time, another life we might have lived.” (Roger Ebert)
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Let's discuss The World of Apu (Bengali: অপুর সংসার, aka Apur Sansar in English) directed, written, and produced by the acclaimed Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray, recently voted the 290th greatest movie of all time in Sight & Sound's international survey of filmmakers.
The movie is the third installment of the "Apu Trilogy" — we discussed the first movie Pather Panchali (1955) last year and the second movie Aparajito (1956) two weeks ago. You don't have to watch the first 2 movies before seeing The World of Apu as it also works as a standalone film, though the viewing links for the first 2 movies are still available if you want to catch up.
Please watch the movie in advance. Bring your thoughts, reactions, and queries about the movie to share with us at the meeting.
You can stream it here (check the settings in the video player for subtitles and to adjust quality) or rent it on various platforms online (for best quality.)
Check out other film discussions in the group every Friday and occasionally other days.