Excellent social satire from Ray.

Ray's later Charulata definitely has shadows of this film in it. In post-colonial India it's well known that religion and tradition (Hindu and Islam especially, some Christianity) were definite pillars in conservative and patriarchal Indian society. To see a film this critical of these views and this well put together in 1960 is quite amazing. I have yet to see any of the films in the Apu Trilogy, but the two Ray films I have seen are masterpieces in themselves that need more acclaim

In some ways I wish more was done with the material...but what's here is fascinating. And the ending is of the kind that will most likely never leave my mind.

Complexity arises from simplicity in Devi -- yet another great film from Satyajit Ray's early career. A woman's father-in-law has a dream where it's revealed to him that his daughter-in-law is the reincarnation of a goddess. The woman's husband -- a man who strives to be modern in his world view -- doesn't believe it. The woman herself doesn't know what to think. From this setup Ray creates a subtle and ambiguous film about the difference, or lack thereof, between spirituality and superstition.

Takes some time getting into, but well worth it. The finale is profound, deceptively simple as it disperses superstition only to reveal an underlying core that's not necessarily secular.

I think about this film daily. It haunts my dreams.

Religious fanatacism gives way to believable soul-searching and the confusion that follows - Devi explores the fine line between religiosity and fantasy - or, what religion really means, especially within the patriarchal, rural culture the film depicts. Importantly, it never feels condescending, preachy, or obtuse - which anyone, even Ray, could fall prey to with this subject matter.

This is religious fanaticism handled in a way that Westerners could never do... in America, it would probably be a broad comedy, along the lines of Dogma and the like. In Devi it's done much gentler, with sensitivity and beauty. The musical score is outstanding.