Review of Pather Panchali (1955) by Betty S — 16 Oct 2011

A deeply emotional story exploring human nature (particularly its weakness), family ties/disconnections and karma whichis really well told despite being slow and meandering at times. Black and white definitely adds something to the film. One of the best things about this film is that the interpretation is left up to you - just like life. I get the feeling my empathy will change from one character to another depending on my viewpoint of life. On this occassion I focused on the mother, her isolation, susceptibility to the opinions of others and how this distorted and transformed her intense love for her family into something wicked and ugly. I have huge admiration for the character insight provided by the director always shying away from telling the audience what to think or how to interpret it.

Still puzzled by the long scene showing dragonflies and lilies on the pond. It was waaaaaaaay too long. Also the religious references were lost on me.