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"The Chess Players:" brilliant film that is as much about

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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.

Follow Ups:

RE: "The Chess Players:" brilliant film that is as much about - Bill the K 21:22:00 04/27/14 (2)
I am sure you have seen some of the others by him viz; Charulatha, Teen Kanya, Mahanagar. Ray was using Ravi Shankar for music direction but later he composed background music himself. Great treatises on human relationships. These couldnt be watched here in the south as the language was Bengali and no subtitles. I watched them on DVD in NY with subtitles.
Majority of Indians have not seen Ray's movies.
Best Wishes
Bill
- "majority of Indians�" Well, that means at least 500 million could have! :-0 nt - tinear 12:20:57 04/29/14 (1)
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  - RE: "majority of Indians�" Well, that means at least 500 million could have! :-0 nt - Bill the K 09:53:55 05/06/14 (0)
    tin, I made a survey in my building where 25 apartments are occupied. Only 4 have seen it in the theatre and 5 have watched it on TV. But then this is not a typical profile. Only a small number of people have seen the movie. It is called an 'Art Movie' here and not an entertainer. Nobody wants to add to their tensions by watching the miseries of a poor family during the great famine of Bengal. There were criticisms in the Parliament that Ray was exhibiting the poverty in front of Americans to get sympathy and more funds.
    
    Some of my friends have borrowed my DVD and watched it. I have a tough time collecting it back from them.
    
    Best Wishes
    Bill

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