The tragedy of it is very potent as we look at this sad character, his desperation for being respected and seen as rich even as his money is almost all gone, and the losses he suffers, his eventual reclusion. He's a character that is both saddening and fascinating to watch. The film is beautifully, at times even entrancingly well shot, and the dance scene near the end is absolutely wonderful.

189

Magnificent study of contrasting characters--the old, aristocratic landowner versus the new money businessman of a more "modern" era. Ray highlights the differences between these two men with subtlety, and in doing so, forces us to ponder the sources of our respect for others. That the travelling musicians and dancers come across with more life and vibrancy than any of the other characters is not an accident, I suspect.

Incredible filmmaking. Loved the themes, loved Chhabi Biswas, loved the music!

A masterful film from Ray. The direction is more self assured than in the Apu trilogy and the film does a great job of depicting the replacement of the land owning class with the bourgeoisie. The performances are very expressive of the underlying tension and India's class system, as the film leaves most of its commentary as subtext rather than hitting you over the head with it.

The film's good but that music and singers gave me headaches. LITERALLY. So, I had to turn off the sound at some points!

My first Satyajit Ray film and I must say the attention to detail and sound is spectacular. The portrayal of the class system and the privileged society is enthralling. The non-linear arc was tough to follow at first, but developed into a unique style. The Criterion Collection Blu-Ray is spectacular!

#204

Simultaneously a fascinating Shakespearean tragedy about class and wealth, and a brilliant musical love-letter. Somewhat minimalist in approach, but complex and rewarding in the end.

Beautiful film. One of the most intriguing character studies I have stumbled upon. Lord Roy is a man of a thousand characteristics, and each one is so fascinating. He is extremely proud, and constantly tries to flaunt his stature. You slowly start to feel sorry for a man that is so easily unlikable throughout, as you watch his world slip out from under him. The Music Room has a wonderful soundtrack mixed with a healthy dose of stunning shots, which really keeps the film glued together perfectly

Wonderful character study of a man cursed by pride and arrogance with shades of the new world taking over from the old. The love of music holds Roy together as it holds the film together and we experience his love for music in the two of the most memorable scenes.

Fascinating film...Roy is such an odd little character, proud and stubborn beyond reason, oblivious to the world passing him by, trying his best to flaunt his wealth as his mini-empire crumbles around him. It's a wonderful character study; I may like it even more if I'm able to view it in a higher quality print, having watched a very rough one.

A spellbinding, rapturous masterpiece.

Just as compelling as any part of the Apu Trilogy. It's glorious filmmaking, a spellbinding morality tale of pride. The song and dance are appropriately dazzling.

makes me long for the good old days

192

The tragedy of it is very potent as we look at this sad character, his desperation for being respected and seen as rich even as his money is almost all gone, and the losses he suffers, his eventual reclusion. He's a character that is both saddening and fascinating to watch. The film is beautifully, at times even entrancingly well shot, and the dance scene near the end is absolutely wonderful.

Great character study, and it really has fantastic music.

I haven't seen enough from Ray to say this definitively, but this has got to be one of his 2 or 3 best films. Haunting and beautifully shot.

# 180