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"The Chess Players:" brilliant film that is as much about
Posted by tinear on April 26, 2014 at 16:01:52:
two dear friends absolutely absorbed by this great game as it is about colonialism, marriage, and (really!) life itself.
Satyavit Ray, whom Kurosawa considered among the very few great directors, enlisted not only the finest Indian actors, but quite a few excellent British ones, (Sir) Richard Attenborough among them.
Two wealthy friends gather everyday to joust on the chess board, much to the consternation of one of their wives and to the relief of the other's. Simultaneously, the native leader of the province, a ruler much given to revelry --- a keen appreciator of feminine beauty (huge harem), dance, music, and poetry--- is seen by the English as an impediment to their total control of the region; they liken his kingdom, the richest one not under English control, as the last in a row of ripe cherries.
Like another superb Ray film, "The Music Room," this one examines the cultural impact of aristocracy and landed gentry upon a civilization, at large. Not to be missed: a fascinating dance by one of the most beautiful and sensual women ever to grace the screen.
Considered with his Apu trilogy, this film easily lands Ray within the top 10 greatest cinema directors. I'd place him very, very close to the top.
Aside: The Music Room may hold especial interest for audiophiles.