Gandhi is a great subject, but is Gandhi a great film? Undoubtedly it is, not least because it is one of the last old-school epics ever made, a glorious visual treat featuring tens of thousands of extras (real people, not digital effects) and sumptuous Panavision cinematography. But a true epic is about more than just widescreen photography, it concerns itself with noble subjects too, and the life... story of Mahatma Gandhi is one of the noblest of all. Both the man and the film have profound things to say about the meaning of freedom and racial harmony, as well as how to achieve them. Ben Kingsley, in his first major screen role, bears the heavy responsibility of the central performance and carries it off magnificently; without his magnetic and utterly convincing portrayal the film would founder in the very first scene. Sir Richard Attenborough surrounds his main character with a cast of distinguished thespians (Trevor Howard, John Mills, John Gielgud and Martin Sheen, to name but four), none of whom do anything but provide the most sympathetic support. John Briley's literate screenplay achieves the almost impossible task of distilling the bewildering complexities of Anglo-Indian politics. Attenborough's treatment is openly reverential, but, given the saint-like character of his subject, it's hard to see how it could have been anything else. He doesn't flinch from the implication that the Mahatma was na?ve to expect a unified India, for example, but instead lets Gandhi's actions speak for themselves. The outstanding achievement of this labour of love is that it tells the story of an avowed pacifist who never raised a hand in anger, of a man who never held high office, of a man who shied away from publicity, and turns it into three hours of utterly mesmerising cinema.Read moreLess
A Beautiful film
A real must see film for anyone . I found it warm ,moving ,beautifully acted and filmed, educational (don't let that put you off!) a real epic,It was really thought provoking and inspirational and am now reading a biography of Ghandi as a direct response to wanting to know more after watching this wonderful film.
An Amazing man
We all seem to become immune to the world and all its razz ma tazz and special effects and comforts but when you watch this movie you will be touched by a frail humble, non violent man who made a difference. With every great film comes a great story and it’s hard to believe this is based on fact.
Gandhi is a moving film that touches even the most hardened hearts and makes you feel that in all the worlds hopelessness and material possessions, there is hope and one man can stand up for his beliefs and make an impact. Enjoy this movie as I did. This film made me feel human again.
