MovieChat Forums > Aparajito (1956) Discussion > What is Ray's best in the trilogy?

What is Ray's best in the trilogy?

posted 17 years ago by AhaVanuR_24
5 replies | jump to latest

I've seen all three, and although all of these movies are a 10/10 (more like a 100/10), I feel that the order is:

Aparajito

Pather Panchali

Apar Sansar

I think Aparajito has a struggle between modern times and the old ways that the other two do not develop as strongly, and that's why it's my favorite.

I also loved Karuna Bannerjee's performance as Sarbojya, especially when she's talking to Apu as he's sleeping. It had a poignancy beyond words.

Anyway, how do you rank them?

Believe me, you don't want Hannibal Lecter inside your head."

[–] lhommeinsipide 17 years ago

I agree Aparajito is possibly the most enthralling and cathartic of the trilogy (it helps that I own the book), but I believe Apur Sansar comes a close second. It seems that Ray had honed some of his cinematic skills with this film, especially visually (perhaps a European influence - Nouvelle Vague?). I think there is also a little more humour in Apur Sansar.

So:

1. Aparajito
2. Apur Sansar
3. Pather Panchali

Best film: Koyaanisqatsi
Scariest film: A Tale Of Two Sisters
Sexiest film: A Bout De Souffle

[–] AhaVanuR_24 17 years ago

You didn't like Pather Panchali as much? Usually it's the most liked of all three!

Believe me, you don't want Hannibal Lecter inside your head."

[–] BwlBoy 16 years ago

I am working my way through the trilogy and I certainly think Aparajito is a better film than Pather Panchali. The way I see it, the dominant character in the first two films is Apu's mother. Her loneliness when Apu goes off to Calcutta is genuinely heartbreaking and there is a poignancy about her death which I didn't feel about Apu's father or sister in the first film. The performance of Karuna Bannerjee is compelling.

[–] seandirector 15 years ago

I just watched the trilogy for the first time recently, and my preference would be:

1. The World of Apu
2. Aparajito
3. Pather Panchali

Aparajito is very close to upsetting The World of Apu, though. Personally I found Pather Panchali incredibly moving, but I also thought it was rather redundant and overlong in some places.

-Sean

[–] Jag85 15 years ago

1. Aparajito - 10/10
2. Apur Sansar - 10/10
3. Pather Panchali - 9/10

"WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK I AM???!!!!!"