Review of Gandhi (1982) by Angel F — 21 Nov 2010

This brilliant film is based on the life of Mahatma Gandhi, played by Ben Kingsley and how he came to change the world. Gandhi was an Indian lawyer who was thrown off of a South African train because he was sitting in the first-class section, despite the fact that he had a ticket. After this display of racism and hatred towards Indians Gandhi decided to start a non-violent campaign. This campaign was for the rights of all of the Indians in South Africa. Eventually the Indians were given the rights that they had wanted.

Gandhi was then invited to come back to India where he took on the responsibility of bringing independence to the Indians, which was with held by the British government. Gandhi then began another campaign of non-violence. This movement became recognized all over India and brought a massive amount of followers. Gandhi was arrested and beaten throughout the course of his protest, but he refused to fight back, "...I too am prepared to die, there is no cause where I am prepared to kill.". Another quote that really stood out to me was "An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind. ". These statements are just a few that show just what Gandhi stood for, peace was his greatest weapon.

The British Empire finally gave independence to the Indians. However there were then the trials of the war between the Hindu's and the Muslims. Gandhi made a pledge that he would eat no food or consume any drink until the fighting stopped. He was near death before that happened. He stated that, "I am a Muslim, and a Hindu, and a Christian, and a Jew, and so are all of you.".

The movie was a great portrayal of what Gandhi worked for throughout his life as well as what he accomplished. He was an honorable man to the Indians and the world. Overall great movie!