Aparajito

(Satyajit Ray, India 1956, 110 min., 35mm, Bengali w/subtitles)

The middle section of the Satyajit Ray’s Apu Trilogy is separated into two parts: a 10-year-old Apu (Pinaki Sengupta) living by the Ganges with his family, and a teenage Apu (Smaran Ghosal) finding success in his studies and earning a scholarship to study in Kolkata. The themes of family, tragedy, and maturation continue here as Apu moves from Benares to a rural village, and ultimately to the big city. Through both halves, Apu explores the world and learns of life’s difficulties. The minimalist style and characterization are top-notch as Apu matures, grows away from his family, and learns about independence.