New Delhi: Time magazine's film critic, Stephanie Zacharek, has recently unveiled a list of 100 best movies from the past ten decades, spanning the evolution of cinema from the 1920s to the 2010s. The illustrious roster commences with the timeless classic 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' (1920) and culminates with Quentin Tarantino's magnum opus 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' (2019). Among these cinematic gems, only one Indian title finds its place, the iconic 'Pather Panchali' (1955), directed by the legendary Satyajit Ray.
Based on Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay's acclaimed 1929 Bengali novel, ‘Pather Panchali’ marked Ray's directorial debut and served as the opening chapter of his renowned Apu Trilogy, which also includes ‘Aparajito’ and ‘Apur Sansar.’ The film garnered international recognition, making it one of the pioneering Indian films to receive global acclaim and play a pivotal role in the emergence of parallel cinema.
The accolades for ‘Pather Panchali’ are numerous. It was honored with the Best Feature Film award at the 3rd National Film Awards and competed for the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. In 2005, Time magazine included it on its list of the 100 greatest films of all time, solidifying its status as a cinematic masterpiece. Notably, it was the sole Indian film featured on Sight & Sound magazine's revered compilation of the best films ever, further solidifying its significance.
Stephanie Zacharek's selection process for the 100 films was steeped in a lifelong passion for cinema. The movies she chose seamlessly intertwine craftsmanship and artistic spirit, often featuring standout performances that deeply resonate with her. The list is not ranked but rather follows a chronological order, allowing audiences to experience the progression of filmmaking over the decades.
The diverse selection spans cinema's rich history, incorporating iconic classics such as ‘Bicycle Thieves,’ ‘Breathless,’ ‘Gone with the Wind,’ ‘Seven Samurai,’ ‘Taxi Driver,’ and ‘The Godfather Part II.’ Blockbuster hits like ‘ET the Extra-Terrestrial' and ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ find a spot alongside the works of visionary director Wong Kar-wai, represented by ‘In the Mood for Love’ and ‘Chungking Express.’ The list culminates with contemporary masterpieces like Tarantino's ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ and Greta Gerwig's ‘Little Women.’
Through her discerning choices, Stephanie Zacharek pays homage to the timeless classics and contemporary gems that have shaped the landscape of cinema, inviting audiences to revisit these cinematic treasures and discover the profound beauty of the silver screen.