In this new work, John W. Hood makes a thoroughly informed critique of all twenty-nine feature films of Satyajit Ray. Structured along themes which the author has identified in Ray's movies, this reassessment analyses each film on the basis of its individual merits and lapses. Having taken us through the two ends of the spectrum of excellence and mediocrity that comprise Ray's work, Hood concludes his incisive study by affirming that “what makes Ray ascend into the realms of the great is his profound sense of humanity.” A highly accessible work on arguably the finest filmmaker India has ever produced, this book will engage not only serious readers of cinematic texts but also be a valuable leaning resource for students of film studies, all over the world.