This film by director Satyajit Ray is beautifully photographed, often in night scenes or in candlelit rooms.
The story might take place in 19th century India under the influence of Hinduism, but it has a universal message about the power of religious fervor. When a man asserts his daughter-in-law is a reincarnation of a deity, his message takes on a life of its own and the "faithful" come out of the woodwork to bathe in her presence, seeking grace and favors. This transforms the family. It also victimizes the young girl who feels she must accede to the older man's will.
Ray does not hurry the story, but tells it in an economical manner. In one simple scene, a young child's ball accidentally rolls into the chamber of the deified girl. Once, he and the girl, his aunt, were close confidants and played together. Now, he hesitates to enter the room. Her smile welcomes him to enter, so he quickly and silently retrieves his ball and runs away. When she hears him laugh again outside her room, we see her realize that the new order has destroyed all that is most precious to her.
This is a master storyteller weaving a tale that is always relevant.
The story might take place in 19th century India under the influence of Hinduism, but it has a universal message about the power of religious fervor. When a man asserts his daughter-in-law is a reincarnation of a deity, his message takes on a life of its own and the "faithful" come out of the woodwork to bathe in her presence, seeking grace and favors. This transforms the family. It also victimizes the young girl who feels she must accede to the older man's will.
Ray does not hurry the story, but tells it in an economical manner. In one simple scene, a young child's ball accidentally rolls into the chamber of the deified girl. Once, he and the girl, his aunt, were close confidants and played together. Now, he hesitates to enter the room. Her smile welcomes him to enter, so he quickly and silently retrieves his ball and runs away. When she hears him laugh again outside her room, we see her realize that the new order has destroyed all that is most precious to her.
This is a master storyteller weaving a tale that is always relevant.