What It's About:

The tale of one family's struggle to survive in poverty- stricken rural India where the father is an educated but impractical dreamer, the mother is bitter over bearing the brunt of the family's care and the daughter has a nasty habit of stealing the neighbor's fruit. Bad luck dogs them until birth of a son named Apu. Yet, even the precious blessing of a boy cannot prevent further tragedy and hardship.

Why I Love It:

For many Americans, this film is a first, harsh look at life amongst the poor of India. Ray's unsparing camera not only exposes the desperation such a tenuous existence creates, but also includes scenes of uplifting beauty and emotion. Rich traditions of India are brought forth through storytelling and music (by Ravi Shankar). This simply told film leaves the viewer enlightened and humbled. Followed by two sequels that comprise Ray's "Apu Trilogy."