Aparajito

2276. APARAJITO (1957-lndia). Directed and written by SATYAJ1T RAY. Music composed and played by RAVI SHANKAR. The second Of Ray’s “Apu Trilogy” tells Of the plight Of a ten-year-old boy named Apu (see cat. #2279 and #862 for the other films Of this trilogy). Until this time he has lived in a poverty stricken Bengal town. Now he and his parents reside in Benares. Various incidents occur which impact mightily on his life. Most tellingly, young Apu comes under the influence Of an aged uncle who is a priest, and who is intent on training the boy as a clergyman. However, Apu has other ideas. When he becomes an adolescent he goes to university in Calcutta. As he struggles to support himself in the big city and make a place for himself in the world, he steadily grows farther and farther away from his roots. The film is like its predecessor in that it is an amazingly authentic- feeling story Of simple humanity and the struggle for everyday survival in a harsh and difficult world. In particular the complex relationship between Apu and his mother is incisively observed. In the end there is a special universality to Apu and all Of Ray’s other characters. They may be living at another time and in another culture, but their basic human needs and desires make them identifiÂable to everyone. The film won the Grand Prize at the Venice Film Festival. In Bengali with English subtitles. 108 minutes. Drama