Apur Sansar (The World of Apu) (1959)

100% of critics liked it
(16 reviews)
94% of users liked it
(3,417 ratings)

Originally released in India as Apur Sansar, The World of Apu was the last of Satyajit Ray's "Apu Trilogy." Pather Panchali (1955) covered Apu's early years in his native village, while Aparajito (1956) detailed his school years and the tragedy that temporarily brought him back home. Now Apu… More Originally released in India as Apur Sansar, The World of Apu was the last of Satyajit Ray's "Apu Trilogy." Pather Panchali (1955) covered Apu's early years in his native village, while Aparajito (1956) detailed his school years and the tragedy that temporarily brought him back home. Now Apu (Soumitra Chatterjee), having abandoned college due to lack of money, hopes to find success as a writer. He is sidetracked from this goal when he meets Aparna (Sharmila Tagore), whose impending wedding is canceled when the groom turns out to be mentally unstable. To save Aparna from a custom-dictated life of spinsterhood, Apu marries her himself. When she dies giving birth, the grieving Apu cannot bring himself to meet his son, and in fact deserts the boy for five years before learning how to gracefully accept his lot in life. Like the other entries in the trilogy, The World of Apu was based on Bibhutibhusan Bandopadhaya's semi-autobiographical novel Aparajito. In the manner typical of his earlier works, director Ray adopts a straightforward, realistic approach, avoiding any sort of attention-getting directorial techniques, the better to simply tell his story. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 43 min.
Directed By: Satyajit Ray
Written By: Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, Satyajit Ray
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

In Theaters: Oct 4, 1960 Limited
On DVD: Oct 28, 2003

Critic Reviews

Variety Staff, Variety
Director Satyajit Ray, with greater technical means, makes the truth of his relationships and the revelation of India the main trumps of the film. Wit, tenderness and intrinsic human revelations illuminate this unusual film.
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
Though the rhythm of the storytelling is choppy and Apu himself seems incompletely realized, the first appearance of the remarkable Sharmila Tagore as his well-to-do bride upgrades the film's middle section.
Bosley Crowther, New York Times
An impressive capstone is put not only upon a touching human drama but also upon the development of a genuine artist's skill.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
What we sense all through The Apu Trilogy is a different kind of life than we are used to.
Edward Guthmann, San Francisco Chronicle
The Apu Trilogy, 36 years after its completion, remains one of the screen's great gifts.
James Berardinelli, ReelViews
The 'Apu Trilogy' is a true masterpiece, and The World of Apu is its crown jewel.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It's a classic filmed in an old-fashioned timeless way that never goes out of fashion.
, Film4
Ray tells it in a matter of fact style, allowing the excellent acting and true emotion of the situation to speak for themselves.
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
Satyajit Ray's Apu trilogy is pure cinema.
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews
In many ways, the final chapter of the trilogy weaves the most compelling story
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
Though Ray does a fantastic job of creating a very specific atmosphere, the deliberate manner in which the story unfolds proves to be more of a hindrance than anything else.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
A rich and insightful picture.