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Gandhi
(title)
Movie Review

LIT 4 Survey of Afro Asian Literature

Submitted by: Villalon, Dana Jane

BSED-English 3- B

Submitted to: Ms. Justy Joy Pardillo

Instructor
GANDHI (1982)

The 1982 biographical epic movie "Gandhi" was directed by Richard Attenborough. It details the
extraordinary life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, one of the most well-known and influential
individuals in modern history. The movie explores Gandhi's transformation from a young South
African lawyer to the head of India's nonviolent resistance advocate against British colonial rule,
starring Ben Kingsley in the movie's main character, the man who spearheaded the Indian
independence movement through nonviolent civil disobedience.

"Gandhi" begins with the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948 before going back in time to
show him as a young South African lawyer, where he first experiences racial discrimination. His
concept of nonviolent resistance is shaped by these experiences. His return to India is shown in
the movie, where he leads the nonviolent civil disobedience campaign for Indian independence.
It highlights significant incidents in his life including the Salt March and different protests as
well as his encounters with other notable people like Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel. The
film concludes with Gandhi's ultimate sacrifice for the cause of India's independence.

The fact that "Gandhi" manages to humanize the Mahatma is one of its most stunning features.
The movie shows Gandhi's shortcomings and vulnerable times rather than just admiring him. His
accomplishments are further enhanced by this detailed portrayal, which makes him appealing
and interesting. His internal conflicts, self-doubts, and self-denial are all on display, as well as
the personal costs he suffered to advance society. That "Gandhi" has endured as a timeless
classic is due to the complexity of the character development.

"Gandhi" is more than just a historical biography; it also examines how relevant the topic is
today. The movie's examination of colonialism, social justice, and the effectiveness of
nonviolence resonates strongly with audiences today. Gandhi's message is as relevant as ever in a
world that still struggles with challenges of inequality and discrimination.

The portrayal of India's different cultures also shows an excellent level of detail in the movie.
The story provides complexity and realness by the use of various languages and actual events.
"Gandhi" is more than just a historical biography; it also examines how relevant its topic is
today. The movie's examination of colonialism, social justice, and the effectiveness of
nonviolence resonates strongly with viewers today. Gandhi's message is as relevant as ever in a
world that still struggles with challenges of inequality and discrimination.

In conclusion, "Gandhi" is a cinematic masterpiece that gives a captivating portrayal of one of

history's most famous individuals. It clearly conveys Gandhi's philosophy and its significance in
the modern era. Although its length can be challenging for some viewers, just like me, because
it's lengthy enough to watch, the way it is told keeps viewers interested because it has a lot of
lessons. I can say that "Gandhi" is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, social justice,
and the life of a remarkable leader.
Title: "Gandhi" (1982) - A Timeless Tribute to the Father of the Nation

In the realm of biographical cinema, Richard Attenborough's "Gandhi," released in 1982, is a crowning
jewel. The film delves into the extraordinary life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, encapsulating his
struggle for India's independence through the lens of nonviolent resistance. In this 800-word review,
we'll explore the film's various aspects, historical accuracy, performances, direction, and its enduring
impact.

At the core of "Gandhi" is the exemplary portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi by Sir Ben Kingsley. His
performance as the titular character is nothing short of astonishing. Kingsley masterfully captures
Gandhi's physicality, spirit, and the profound depth of his character. His dedication to the role shines
through every frame, earning him a well-deserved Academy Award for Best Actor. Kingsley's portrayal
cements itself as one of the most remarkable character interpretations in cinematic history.

The film's narrative unfurls like an epic, chronicling Gandhi's early years in South Africa, his return to
India, and his relentless efforts to unite a deeply divided nation. Attenborough skillfully crafts the story,
maintaining historical accuracy through extensive research and collaboration with Indian historians. This
dedication to authenticity elevates the film beyond mere entertainment; it's a historical document in its
own right.

One of the most striking aspects of "Gandhi" is its ability to humanize the Mahatma. The film doesn't
merely deify Gandhi; it presents his flaws and moments of vulnerability. This nuanced portrayal makes
him more relatable and multi-dimensional, rendering his achievements even more impressive. We
witness his inner struggles, doubts, and the personal sacrifices he made for the greater good. It's this
complexity in character development that distinguishes "Gandhi" as an enduring classic.

The supporting cast of "Gandhi" is equally remarkable. Rohini Hattangadi, who plays Kasturba Gandhi,
delivers a touching and poignant performance. John Gielgud as Lord Irwin and Edward Fox as General
Dyer add gravitas to the film with their strong contributions. The ensemble cast collectively forms a
world in which Gandhi's story unfolds.

Attenborough's direction is a lesson in cinematic storytelling. He weaves together a compelling

narrative, expertly conveying the historical context and the political climate of the era. The
cinematography by Billy Williams and Ronnie Taylor is breathtaking, with sweeping shots of the Indian
landscape and meticulous attention to period details. The musical score, composed by Ravi Shankar and
George Fenton, enhances the emotional depth of the film.

One of the most potent sequences in "Gandhi" is the portrayal of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Attenborough's direction and John Mathieson's cinematography combine to create a haunting and
visceral experience. The deliberate tracking shot through the chaos and devastation is both mesmerizing
and harrowing, serving as a stark reminder of the brutalities of colonial rule.
"Gandhi" also excels in depicting the intricacies of nonviolent resistance. Gandhi's philosophy of ahimsa
(non-violence) and satyagraha (truth force) is at the heart of the narrative. The film effectively conveys
the power of these ideas and the sacrifices made by those who embraced them. The Salt March, in
particular, stands out as a testament to the strength of nonviolent protest and remains one of the film's
most memorable sequences.

The film's meticulous attention to cultural authenticity is also worth noting. It embraces the diversity of
India's cultures, languages, and religions, adding depth and authenticity to the story. This aspect pays
homage to the rich tapestry of the nation, portraying India's complexity and unity.

Beyond its historical narrative, "Gandhi" is a reflection on the enduring relevance of its subject. The film
explores themes of colonialism, social justice, and the transformative power of nonviolence. These
themes resonate profoundly with contemporary audiences in a world still grappling with issues of
discrimination and inequality. Gandhi's message remains as vital as ever, making the film an enduring
work of art.

In conclusion, "Gandhi" is a cinematic masterpiece that offers an accurate and comprehensive portrayal
of one of the most influential figures in modern history. Attenborough's direction, Kingsley's
performance, and the film's historical accuracy combine to create an enduring classic that continues to
inspire and educate audiences worldwide. The film's capacity to humanize Gandhi and explore his
philosophy make it a timeless work of art. "Gandhi" is not merely a film; it's a tribute to the Mahatma
and a reminder of the enduring potential of his ideals. It stands as a testament to the transformative
power of truth and nonviolence in the face of injustice.
Title: "Gandhi" (1982) - A Cinematic Masterpiece Reflecting the Mahatma's Life and Legacy

Richard Attenborough's 1982 epic biographical drama "Gandhi" stands as a towering achievement in
cinema. This review aims to delve deep into the film's various aspects, its historical accuracy,
performances, direction, and its enduring relevance.

At the heart of "Gandhi" is the extraordinary life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the man who
spearheaded the Indian independence movement through nonviolent civil disobedience. Ben
Kingsley's portrayal of Gandhi is nothing short of remarkable. Kingsley brings an uncanny
resemblance to the Mahatma, capturing both his physical appearance and his essence. His
performance is a tour de force, full of nuance and emotional depth. Kingsley's portrayal earned him
an Academy Award for Best Actor and solidified his place in cinematic history.

The film's narrative spans Gandhi's early years in South Africa, his return to India, and his tireless
efforts to unite a fractured nation. Attenborough takes us on a journey through the major events of
Gandhi's life, from the Salt March to the Quit India movement, offering a comprehensive and
accurate portrayal of the man and his times. The film's historical accuracy is commendable, thanks in
part to its extensive research and collaboration with Indian historians.

One of the film's most notable achievements is its ability to humanize Gandhi. It doesn't merely
depict him as a saintly figure but instead reveals his flaws and moments of doubt. This makes the
character more relatable and multi-dimensional, ultimately making his achievements more
impressive. We witness his struggles with his family, his moments of self-doubt, and his spiritual
journey. This complexity in character development is what makes "Gandhi" an enduring classic.

The supporting cast of "Gandhi" is equally exceptional. Rohini Hattangadi, who plays Kasturba
Gandhi, delivers a poignant and touching performance. John Gielgud as Lord Irwin and Edward Fox
as General Dyer also deserve special mention for their strong contributions to the film. The ensemble
cast creates a believable world in which Gandhi's story unfolds. Attenborough's direction is a
masterclass in storytelling. He skillfully weaves together a compelling narrative, capturing the
historical context and political climate of the time. The cinematography by Billy Williams and
Ronnie Taylor is breathtaking, with sweeping shots of the Indian landscape and meticulous attention
to period details. The film's score, composed by Ravi Shankar and George Fenton, adds depth to the
emotional resonance of the story. One of the film's most powerful sequences is the depiction of the
Amritsar massacre.

Attenborough's direction and John Mathieson's cinematography combine to create a hauntingly

visceral experience. The slow, deliberate tracking shot through the chaos and carnage is both
mesmerizing and horrifying, serving as a stark reminder of the brutality of colonial rule. "Gandhi"
also excels in its portrayal of the intricacies of nonviolent resistance. Gandhi's philosophy of ahimsa
(non-violence) and satyagraha (truth force) is at the core of the narrative. The film effectively
conveys the power of these ideas and the sacrifices made by those who embraced them. The Salt
March, in particular, is a testament to the strength of nonviolent protest, and it remains one of the
film's most memorable sequences.

The film's attention to detail extends to its portrayal of India's diverse culture. The use of different
languages and authentic settings adds depth and authenticity to the story. Attenborough takes care to
depict the various cultural, religious, and linguistic elements that make up the fabric of India, thus
paying homage to the rich tapestry of the nation.

"Gandhi" is more than just a historical biopic; it is a reflection on the enduring relevance of its
subject. The film's exploration of the themes of colonialism, social justice, and the power of
nonviolence resonates strongly with contemporary audiences. In a world still grappling with issues of
discrimination and inequality, Gandhi's message remains as vital as ever.

In conclusion, "Gandhi" is a cinematic masterpiece that offers a comprehensive and accurate

portrayal of one of the most influential figures in modern history. Attenborough's direction,
Kingsley's performance, and the film's historical accuracy combine to create an enduring classic that
continues to inspire and educate audiences around the world. The film's ability to humanize Gandhi
and its exploration of his philosophy make it a timeless work of art. "Gandhi" is not just a film; it is a
testament to the enduring power of truth and nonviolence in the face of injustice. It stands as a tribute
to the Mahatma and a reminder of the transformative potential of his ideals.