'Gandhi' is a comprehensive biographical sketch of one of the greatest men of contemporary times, and certainly the greatest man in the history of India. It also dutifully covers almost all the major events of India's independence struggle from the rule of the British Empire. In spite of being an historical account, the movie is by no means dry or pedantic, and it covers a large span of years with perfect pacing, often being witty, moving, humorous, thought-provoking and sprinkled with large doses of Gandhiji's famous messages.It is ironic that a Britisher would create such a moving and heartfelt portrayal, and it does hurt the credibility of the movie that every one is speaking in perfect English (even Gandhiji's famous last words are in English). Having said that, the movie is completely successful in exploring the life and character of Gandhiji, and in providing a faithful overview of the difficulties involved in the birth of India.India's independence struggle was unique, and Gandhiji's idea of non-violent non co-operation and shaming the Britishers by attacking their good image and appealing to their sense of morality and honour was a master stroke. As a person, all of Gandhiji's admirable qualities are on full display here : he was a man of strong conviction, an iron will, a sharp intellect and complete dedication to the cause of a strong, independent India.To be honest, the events portrayed in the movie are so far in the past that it is easy to debate about the importance of Gandhiji's non-violent movement in hindsight : India would probably have gained its independence sooner or later since the Britishers had suffered massive losses in the Second World War, but without Gandhiji, it is hard to guess whether would it have been more violent or less violent, and what values and principles we Indians as a nation would have inherited. It is also debatable how much of those values and principles that Gandhiji so strongly advocated have survived in the present time. All that said, it is certainly beyond debate that MK Gandhi was a great man, and his philosophy and his pivotal role in the birth of India will always be remembered.
... View MoreI was born a couple of years after Mahatma Gandhi's death, and my only impression of the man up till now had been of a small, frail, cloth wrapped Indian who preached non-violence and made it his life's mission. Though I'm certain, as with most movie takes on historical subjects, there are inaccuracies in the telling of his story here, but I was grateful to get a good, general overview of what Gandhi experienced and had to endure as a dedicated and pious servant of India's people. The film is rather epic in scope, with stunning photography and costuming, and the choice of Ben Kingsley to portray Mohandas K. Gandhi was an inspired one. The way he carried the story arc of Gandhi's career from young lawyer to pacifist leader was a genuinely moving characterization. Interestingly, the only time it seems that Gandhi showed any true emotion was the scene where he wept for his dying wife. Otherwise his stoicism in the face of imprisonment and punishment creates a long lasting impression for the viewer, and personally, I can't imagine how he was able to maintain such enduring self control. Not only that, but his tactics during the early part of the Twentieth Century proved to be unparalleled in achieving his political goals for India. It proved undeniably true for the citizens of that vast sub-continent when Gandhi uttered the words - "I know a way out of hell".
... View MoreGandhi is the best movie I have ever seenQuote by Gandhi: I know a way out of hell....Epic & inspiring. This movie has inspired me and changed my life in so many ways. I became vegetarian. I felt I too should contribute and make a positive difference to the world. I became a therapist. I realized life was about striving to become a better human being. The music of this movie was my first exposure to Indian music. The raw emotions in the music ripped me apart. No sugar coating, this is real. I hope every man, woman and child gets to see this movie in their life, for Gandhi can move us towards becoming better human beings. I should be part of school curriculum, just like Shakespeare and the Pythagorean theorem. The movie connects us to very tangible themes in our life - inequality, oppression, racism, and authority and lawfulness not being morally right. Gandhi = Non-Violence, and standing up for those treated unfairly. My God, Gandhi has caused India to become free from the British without a violent uprising. Our world, so full of power hungry leaders who promise us - we will bomb you into democracy - could use more of this attitude of respect and non-violence. How very relevant.Boring or riveting - Expectations. This movie was made in 1982, before impossible CGI. The crowds are real. Today we are more into fast paced and gripping action movies. If you dare to slow down to the movie, and let it touch you, it has many messages about our life. This is no Matrix (and yet it is). If your want to be entertained with another empty flick, this movie is not for you. This movie is about real life struggles, this is about life and striving to become a better human being. This movie has depth, and shoves a mirror in our faces.Why was this movie so good? Ben Kingsley was Gandhi. He did not play Gandhi, he became Gandhi. Such humility, so human in his struggle to do the right things. The dialogue is amazing. Very inspiring. The scale of the movie is mind boggling, the size of the crowds. The themes... our politicians should take notes. Gandhi lived so shortly ago, we can almost touch him. Through this movie, he touches us, and shows us it is possible to make a difference.What is Gandhi - Storyline. A biopic about Mohandas K Gandhi. The story of all major events from 1893 South Africa, racism, to India in 1948, his unfortunate death. The movie illustrates his character and the world changing effect he had. Ben Kingsley. Attenborough.
... View MoreThe film begins on the day of Gandhi's assassination on 30 January 1948. After an evening prayer, an elderly Gandhi is helped out for his evening walk to meet a large number of greeters and admirers. One of these visitors, Nathuram Godse, shoots him point blank in the chest. The film then cuts to a huge procession at his funeral, which is attended by dignitaries from around the world.The early life of Gandhi is not depicted in the film. Instead, the story flashes back 55 years to a life-changing event: in 1893, the 23-year-old Gandhi is thrown off a South African train for being an Indian sitting in a first-class compartment despite having a first-class ticket.Realising the laws are biased against Indians, he then decides to start a nonviolent protest campaign for the rights of all Indians in South Africa. After numerous arrests and unwelcome international attention, the government finally relents by recognising some rights for Indians.
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