The Big City (The Criterion Collection) [DVD]

**** A few spoilers. The Big City (1963, directed by Satyajit Ray) is yet another film of his that takes a rather simple storyline and is able to sustain a two-hour runtime without feeling like it drags. What amazes me about Ray is how he can take a simple and straightforward subject and make it compelling, and convey a powerful message and ending. In this film, Arati, a timid homemaker, gets a job when her family falls into financial distress, much to the chagrin of her traditional husband, who prefers to be the breadwinner. In fact, he, along with other family members, attempt to make Arati feel guilty for being an ‘absent’ mother. However, Subrata, her husband, realizes that they need the money, and eventually commends the newly-empowered and confident Arati for standing up to her boss when she feels that he wronged a coworker via terminating her employment, then resigns her own employment. Subrata evolves from being an insecure, distant and jealous husband to becoming closer to Arati, stemming from the very thing (her liberation) that he detested earlier. The Big City is a film about challenging societal norms and customs in changing times. The Criterion Collection blu ray offers excellent picture and sound quality, and of course the special features and booklet are nice.

I am mainly discussing the QUALITY of the Criterion transfer. I had the original SONY almost perfect VHS. This one is even better. Sharp and clear; I opted not to get the Blu-Ray version for I don't know how much improvement one can make to this black and white film from the 60s and made in India. A five star effortJust a few words on the movie itself: it is middle of the road Ray. A veritable feminine triumph story but in Ray's hands, it is curiously ambivalent. The heroine would rather stay home and take care of her son than be out in the wilderness of Calcutta's fashion world selling cosmetics. Her husband's (Anil Chatterji) attitude changes within moments of his losing his job. His acting is the worst part of the movie: and significantly he never appeared in another Ray movie. On the other hand, Madhabi remains Ray's greatest triumph (yes, more than Sharmila) in this and Charulata.Great crieterion disc; and a far from Satyajit's top movies.By the way, the short Kapurush movie is a masterpiece. It lingers in memory. Madhabi and Soumitra with their understated charms and acting make it a top class Ray.

Terrific picture of Calcutta in the late 1950s and the social upheaval from women beginning to enter the workforce. Satyajit Ray movies are not for everyone -- by modern standards the pacing is slow and the drama subtle. But patience will be rewarded.

I have tried 14 million ways to get this bloody Criterion CD to work in my Blue Ray disc player but NO, once again, I will never get to see this Bloody movie....Criterion-------make your movies work....it is not that difficult....$26.00 WASTED!!!!!

This film of Ray's is really one of my favorites. The wife of the main character decides to go to work to help support the family, and ultimately discovers new things about herself. She likes her new job and independence and having work gives her a different outlook about her own life and marriage, as well as the world. This is basically an upbeat movie, with a modern feel to it. As always, Ray's direction is impeccable and the cinematography is great. This is really a very enjoyable movie.

This is such a beautiful and insightful film. I could not recommend it more highly.

Simple but powerful story with a great message at the end!

Some of the best acting in all of Ray's films.