This film is a real masterpiece. The characters are developed, there are no caricatures, everybody has different aspects that make them fully human. And the story, while simple, is profound. It describes a certain time, a certain people, a certain culture, yet it could happen anytime, anywhere, to anyone.
Ray, like Bergman, Kurosawa, John Ford, and a few others, are directors who are totally immersed in their own culture, can clearly see its flaws, can clearly see the shortcomings of their people, yet they love them unconditionally. To them, no special effects are needed: all they need is a good story, and good casting.
Ray, like Bergman, Kurosawa, John Ford, and a few others, are directors who are totally immersed in their own culture, can clearly see its flaws, can clearly see the shortcomings of their people, yet they love them unconditionally. To them, no special effects are needed: all they need is a good story, and good casting.