Review of Gandhi (1982) by Cotrina R — 12 Feb 2012

This 1982 film begins in the early part of the 20th century, when Mohandas "Mahatma") K. Gandhi (Ben Kingsley), a British-trained lawyer, forsakes all worldly possessions to take up the cause of Indian independence. Many critics dismiss this film, but for those of us who need to be inspired to bring about change, Gandhi is a must see. Kingsley's performance is strong and complex and the film gives a good idea of Gandhi's transformation from dapper lawyer to fasting man in a loin cloth. Richard Attenborough directed the film and movie star Ben Kingsley both won Academy Awards for their work on the film. The film was also given the Academy Award for Best Picture.

The film relates to world religion because it shows you the Hindu way of life. To watch this movie you learn about a man who won the hearts of many and influenced the world to accept a piece of Hinduism in our lives. He believed in peace and how the world can have it. I didnâ(TM)t know about his early days in South Africa; and I hadn't know of his second hunger strike, taken to urge his own people to stop killing one another (Muslim vs. Hindu). A film can probably never capture all aspects of history especially when adding religious beliefs and given the constraints of running time. But this one goes very close in doing that and delivers a wonderful depiction of the main character Gandhi in the backdrop of those explosive days and takes us to a man's journey of transformation, that transforms a nation, influences not only Hindus but outer religions and leaves us something to think about even today. If you like films on serious issues, you will love this one. Watch it, it will get you thinking.