Films/DVD Asylum

"The Stranger:" Satyajit's swan song and every bit as magnificent as Beethoven's last

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symphony: huge in scope, succeeding in all, towering above its competition.
A decades-long disappeared uncle wishes to avail himself of hospitality at a niece's household, much to her and her husband's discomfort. Is he an impostor? Is he a strange individual come to prey on them?
In the course of the tale of this stranger, we examine the width and breath of not just Indian culture, from it's indigenous tribal dances and music to modern day art, but also humorous side trips into discussions of American culture, including our Native Americans (the "other" Indians, as is discussed in the film).
Ray has gathered many of the ensemble that shone so brightly in "Enemy of the People" yet these all have very different characters to portray: this adds much entertainment value as you realize their great skill.
Yet, for all their talent, they are indeed outplayed by the principal: he has a ferocious wit and intelligence of such magnificence that I cannot easily recall an equal. Simply one of film's great performances, absolutely original and unforgettable.
Like those of Ozu, Ray's films often leave the sensitive viewer wishing he somehow could summon the will to become a better person, less selfish and more aware of others.
This film alone lifts Ray into the elite pantheon of greatest directors of all time.

Edits: 05/14/14

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