A rich and insightful picture.
The World of Apu (1959)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:16
Fresh:16
Rotten:0
Average Rating:9/10
Runtime: 1 hr 46 mins
Genre: Foreign Films
Synopsis: The third and final film in the renowned Apu Trilogy (which also includes PATHER PANCHALI and APARAJITO) from Satyajit Ray follows Apu, now a man, as he decides to become a writer. He takes a wife... The third and final film in the renowned Apu Trilogy (which also includes PATHER PANCHALI and APARAJITO) from Satyajit Ray follows Apu, now a man, as he decides to become a writer. He takes a wife out of loyalty to the bride's cousin. This arranged union gradually brings the couple great--but ephemeral--joy. Living alone in a tenement above the railway, a grown Apu passes his days reading poetry, playing his wooden flute and looking for work. Though poor and without family, he remains hopeful about his future. An unexpected reunion with childhood friend Pulu provides a respite from his lonely routine. Pulu invites Apu to attend his cousin Aparna's wedding. Moments before the ceremony, they discover the bridegroom is mentally ill and the marriage cannot proceed as planned. So Pulu--desperate to marry his cousin, lest she be cursed for life--asks Apu to take the groom's place. Feeling betrayed and outraged, Apu refuses but later, out of friendship, he changes his mind. Apu and his delicate bride Aparna slowly fall in love, spending almost every moment together. But marital bliss is short lived, as a terrible tragedy awaits the newfound lovers. [More]
Starring: Soumitra Chatterjee
Starring: Soumitra Chatterjee
Director: Satyajit Ray
Director: Satyajit Ray
Producer: Satyajit Ray
Composer: Ravi Shankar
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Reviews for The World of Apu
Ray tells it in a matter of fact style, allowing the excellent acting and true emotion of the situation to speak for themselves.
An impressive capstone is put not only upon a touching human drama but also upon the development of a genuine artist's skill.
Though Ray does a fantastic job of creating a very specific atmosphere, the deliberate manner in which the story unfolds proves to be more of a hindrance than anything else.
It's a classic filmed in an old-fashioned timeless way that never goes out of fashion.
The Apu Trilogy, 36 years after its completion, remains one of the screen's great gifts.
The 'Apu Trilogy' is a true masterpiece, and The World of Apu is its crown jewel.
In many ways, the final chapter of the trilogy weaves the most compelling story
Though the rhythm of the storytelling is choppy and Apu himself seems incompletely realized, the first appearance of the remarkable Sharmila Tagore as his well-to-do bride upgrades the film's middle section.
What we sense all through The Apu Trilogy is a different kind of life than we are used to.
Director Satyajit Ray, with greater technical means, makes the truth of his relationships and the revelation of India the main trumps of the film. Wit, tenderness and intrinsic human revelations illuminate this unusual film.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 14% 14% | The Ugly Truth |
| 98% 98% | Up |
| 36% 36% | G.I. Joe: The Rise of … |
| 52% 52% | The Taking of Pelham 1… |
| 45% 45% | Ice Age: Dawn of the D… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 45% 45% | Shorts |
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