Satyajit Ray - Master of Masterpiece Art

The Apu Trilogy - Pather Panchali (1955)

Satyajit Ray was an Indian filmmaker who is regarded as one of the greatest auteurs of 20th century cinema. He was also a fiction writer, publisher, illustrator, graphic designer, and film critic. Ray started his career as a commercial artist, but later drawn into independent film making. Ray did the scripting, casting, scoring, cinematography, art direction, editing and designed credit titles and publicity material for his films. Great Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa and Ray were acquainted with each other. Kurosawa said of Ray's work, "To have not seen the films of Ray is to have lived in the world without ever having seen the moon and the sun."
"Pather Panchali" is the first film in "The Apu Trilogy" which depicts the childhood of the protagonist Apu in the rural countryside of Bengal in 1920's. The film feels as real as life. Even though it featured mostly amateur actors and made by an inexperienced crew, all performances are extraordinary. Cinematography is great in this movie. Surely it is one of the greatest works of art. The music of Ravi Shanker is a real add on to the movie. Ray has created a wonderful art through his debut film which is timeless.

The Apu Trilogy - Aparajito (1956)

"Aparajito" is a second film in "The Apu Trilogy'" which tells the story on life of Apu from childhood to college. This film won eleven international awards and many national awards. It is another masterpiece work from Satyajit Ray. Cinematography is again extraordinary in the film. All characters perform close to reality and Ray's extraordinary direction skills makes it one of the touching stories ever told. Ray is truly a gift to the world of cinema. His creative thoughts and skills are very much seen through out the film.

The Apu Trilogy - Apur Sansar (1959)

"Apur Sansar" is the final film in "The Apu Trilogy" which deals with childhood and early adulthood of Apu. " The World of Apu" or "Apur Sansar" has been influential across the world and is frequently listed among the greatest films of all time. Ray has his own special tactics  and techniques when doing a film. He has developed his own unique style of film making that later became much influential. The music of the film is also incredible. Ray won a special lifetime achievement award at the 1992 Academy Awards. He was made a Fellow of the British Film Institute in recognition of his outstanding contribution to film culture.

"To have not seen the films of Ray is to have lived in the world without ever having seen the moon and the sun." -Akira Kurosawa-