Her strength was her weakness. Her weakness was her strength.|Dec. 11, 2009|Bangladesh|124 Min.|n/A
Genre: Bangla;Drama
Description: “Third Person Singular Number,” released in 2009, is a Bengali film that delves into the life of a young woman named Ruba. After her live-in boyfriend Munna is imprisoned, Ruba faces immense challenges in a conservative society that is unwelcoming to single women. The movie captures her journey of independence and resilience as she navigates the harsh realities of judgment and societal expectations.
Directed by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s new wave of filmmakers, the film is a modern and stylistically bold narrative. It portrays Ruba’s struggles without relying on traditional Third World stereotypes, making it a standout in international film festivals. Nusrat Imroz Tisha delivers a career-defining performance as Ruba, bringing depth and authenticity to the character.
The story begins with a haunting scene where Ruba is mistaken for a sex worker while walking alone at night. Munna’s arrest for murder leaves her isolated, as his disapproving father forces her out of their home. Moving to her mother’s place offers no solace, as her stepfather’s hostility drives her away. Ruba’s search for housing as a single woman becomes an uphill battle, with potential landlords and employers exploiting her vulnerability. One particularly chilling moment occurs when a prospective employer plays Akon’s “I Wanna Fuck You” in his car, showcasing the pervasive creepiness Ruba endures.
While the film excels in portraying Ruba’s struggles, it occasionally struggles with narrative flow. Her sudden job as a copy editor and the introduction of an old friend, Topu, feel abrupt. Topu, a rising musician, helps Ruba find housing, but their friendship is tested when Munna is released from prison. Despite these flaws, “Third Person Singular Number” remains a compelling exploration of a woman’s fight for autonomy in a judgmental society.
Cast director: Mostofa Sarwar Farooki
Cast actor: Nusrat Imrose Tisha, Mosharraf Karim, Rashed Uddin Ahmed Topu, Abul Hayat, Shuveecha Haque, Esha, Aparna Ghose, Rani Sarkar, Shahir Huda Rumi, Dikon Noor
Original name: থার্ড পারসন সিঙ্গুলার নাম্বার