In a recent revelation by Time magazine, film critic Stephanie Zacharek curated a captivating list of the finest movies spanning ten decades. This remarkable selection chronicles the evolution of cinema from the mesmerizing The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) to the captivating Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019). Among these cinematic masterpieces, only one Indian gem found its well-deserved place – the acclaimed Pather Panchali (1955), a creation of the visionary director Satyajit Ray.
Based on Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay’s acclaimed 1929 Bengali novel, the film served as Satyajit Ray’s impressive directorial debut. Over time, it has garnered recognition in numerous prestigious lists of the greatest films ever made. This cinematic masterpiece also serves as the inaugural part of Ray’s remarkable Apu Trilogy, which further includes Aparajito and Apur Sansar.
Time Magazine Unveils Iconic Films of the Century: Satyajit Ray’s Pather Panchali Shines as Sole Indian Representation
Pather Panchali emerged as a groundbreaking Indian film that gained significant international acclaim, becoming a cornerstone of the renowned parallel cinema movement. It earned the prestigious title of Best Feature Film at the 3rd National Film Awards. Notably, the film also competed for the coveted Palme d’Or at the esteemed Cannes Film Festival.
Time magazine acknowledged its greatness by including it in their list of the 100 best movies of all time back in 2005. More recently, Pather Panchali achieved a remarkable feat by being the sole Indian film to secure a spot on Sight & Sound magazine’s revered list of the greatest films ever made. Adding to its triumphs, the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) declared it the finest Indian film ever crafted.
Time magazine’s Zacharak contemplated the process behind selecting these 100 films, asking herself, “So how did I choose these 100 films?” After more than five decades of discernment, she sought out movies that beautifully blend craftsmanship with an indomitable spirit. These cinematic treasures frequently boast exceptional performances that leave a lasting impact on her heart for reasons she holds dear.
The list she compiled isn’t arranged in any particular order but rather serves as a chronological compilation of what she deems to be the finest films in history. Among these esteemed selections, timeless classics like Bicycle Thieves, Breathless, Gone with the Wind, Seven Samurai, Taxi Driver, and The Godfather Part II make notable appearances.
In addition, blockbuster hits like ET the Extra-Terrestrial and The Empire Strikes Back grace the list, alongside two remarkable films by Wong Kar-wai – In the Mood for Love and Chungking Express. Closing the list are more recent additions, including Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Greta Gerwig’s Little Women.
