The Philosopher's Stone

This is probably one of the least recognized but very well loved movie of Satyajit Ray.The fact that it is comedy but not necessarily a children's movie may have something to do with it.I have seen this movie at least twice and the charm of the movie increases with every viewing.The film begins with a look at the life of its protagonist who is the archetype Bengali middle class aged clerk living in the Kolkata of the 50s .His discovery of the philosopher's stone and his consternation at its power hints at the hidden fantasies of most middle class people who secretly dream of overnight riches but are scared of its consequences. As we follow his adventures with the stone till the movie ends on a note which celebrates humanity in line with Rays philosophy we are entertained in stellar fashion by the king of movie-making.I cannot recommend it highly enough!!