Review of Gandhi (1982) by Dan B — 21 Apr 2012

I have always wanted to see this film, and I am glad I watched it. I think Ben Kingsley did a wonderful job of playing Mahatma Gandhi. This movie is a wonderful biography of Gandhi's life. The movie mostly follows the events of his life in order, except that it starts off with him being assassinated. The following scene where there are numerous people who come to mourn over his death was very touching. Even if someone had not known anything about Gandhi's life, that scene alone would tell people how influential he was. The movie continues with a younger Gandhi prior to changing his lifestyle. Gandhi is mistreated on a train ride which causes him start a non-violent protest. He first starts by making changes in South Africa for equality and peace. After a few successful changes he goes back to India to try and do the same there. The British Authorities cause problems for him and it is not as easy to make changes as it was in South Africa. Throughout the movie, Gandhi faces many challenges and is even thrown in jail a few times. Many violent acts cause frustration for him and decide to go on a hunger strike. The turning point of the film is very intense. Many people are shot and killed, most of them being women and children. Although Gandhi had many successes, India was not what he hoped it to be before he died. This movie is very influential and a great watch.

This movie relates well with what I have learned in World Religions. Because it is mainly told in a biographical aspect, it was similar to what is in our book regarding Mahatma Gandhi's life. I think it really showed some one the problems Hinduism had as a religion, and the problems with the culture of Hindu's. Although I had learned a lot about Hinduism, this movie really brought the teachings of Gandhi to life for me as well as the core beliefs of Hindus. Seeing Gandhi struggle and starve for equality was very touching and made me realize how even one person can make a difference.