Director: Richard Attenborough
Starring: Sir Ben Kingsley, Edward Fox and Martin Sheen
‘A Magnificent Indian Masterpiece’
Few historical figures in India have created a legacy as powerful as Mahatma Gandhi. Ever since his rise to political power in the 1920’s, Gandhi sought to change the country. With a larger than life presence, charismatic nature and strong leadership quality, Gandhi gained huge following. Arguably, Gandhi’s greatest strength as a leader was his peaceful beliefs. Through advocating for world peace, Gandhi became a political leader that Indian citizens grew to value. However, Gandhi’s celebrated regime over India came to sudden closure in 1948 when he was assassinated. His painful death marked a big loss for India causing the nation to face trauma. In the wake of his sad passing, Gandhi left his home country in the state of mourning. Following his devastating death, Gandhi built a legacy which proved to be enduring. Widely considered to be an icon in India, Gandhi has transformed in a beloved figure in the modern era. Given his impact on the world, it’s no surprise that Gandhi’s life has been portrayed several times in movies. Each biopic has sought to celebrate the legacy of a leader that’s iconic.
In 1982, Richard Attenborough did an excellent job of depicting the life of the legendary figure in Indian history in his iconic film “Gandhi”. An inspiring, educational and thoughtful biopic, it celebrates legacy of an Indian politician which is iconic. Packed with breathtaking production, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best biopics ever made. At the centre of it all is an outstanding performance from Ben Kingsley, who captured the larger- than-life personality of a politician in Indian history. Ultimately, what makes “Gandhi” an incredible Indian masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about l importance of freedom that will resonate with everyone. A mesmerizing historic masterpiece, there are several strong reasons why “Gandhi” is a film that’s definitely without a doubt worth seeing.
Set in the early 20th Century, “Gandhi” tells a true story of how Mohandas Gandhi became a world-famous politician in Indian history. Ben Kingsley portrays Gandhi, a British lawyer with dreams of prosperity. Gandhi has always held strong views on Indian independence. Faced with obstacles of racism due to the colour of his skin, Gandhi showcases strong dedication to change his nation. Gandhi embarks upon a journey to become a renowned leader in India. Under pressure from the Indian government, Gandhi practices a powerful attitude of peace. However, Gandhi’s lifelong hopes to change his country are threatened by resistance from the British government. Faced with an excruciating dilemma, Gandhi begins to question whether he would ever be able to change India. As he experiences a troublesome situation, Gandhi questions if he would ever attain goals which he has been often aiming to accomplish in his nation.
Richard Attenborough is a newcomer towards stories of Indian politicians. Before he directed “Gandhi”, Attenborough had never made a film about Indian politicians. Attenborough gained recognition for making political dramas during the 1970’s. “Gandhi” marked the director’s first historical biopic and foray into a legendary life of an Indian leader. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to celebrate the legacy of a legendary politician uh Indian history but he succeeded immensely. Through powerful cinematography, Attenborough captures a political leader on a journey to change his country. Visually, the film is a stunning feast for the eyes. Attenborough effectively uses camera angles to capture an Indian leader in powerful position of authority. Throughout the movie, Gandhi is often shot in a low-angle showcasing his powerful positions of authority. For instance, the low-angle shots elevate the speech scene. During this heartfelt scene, Gandhi delivers a rousing speech to his followers about importance of peaceful beliefs. One appreciates low-angle shots that capture political leaders in positions of power. Camera angles complicated techniques to use in films. As Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List” proved clearly, low camera angles elevate films about the Holocaust. Nevertheless, it worked well in this film. Using stunning visuals, Attenborough captures political leaders guiding nations that are inspiring.
Another admirable aspect of “Gandhi” which is worth praising is production. Unlike most movies made in the 1980’s which tend to be outdated, the film’s production has aged beautifully. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Attenborough has always excelled at choosing locations in his films, and “Gandhi” is definitely no exception. Attenborough expertly uses real-life locations in India to capture the beauty of a country that’s ruled by a leader with charisma. For instance, real-life locations of India elevate the funeral scene. During this heartfelt scene, citizens in India engage in a ritual mourning a loss of a beloved political leader. One admires real-life Indian locations capturing the beauty of the country. Real-life Indian locations aren’t easy to use in films. As Ashutosh Gowariker’s “Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India” claimed clearly, Indian locations elevate cricket movies. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Moreover, the music score is dazzling. George Fenton’s score is integral towards the success of the film. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the painful burden Indian politicians near. Through phenomenal production-design, Attenborough captures lives of political leaders that shine.
Storytelling is one of the reasons why “Gandhi” is a captivating biopic that’s compelling. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses non-linear storytelling to celebrate the legacy of an Indian politician that’s inspiring. John Briley’s screenwriting strength is capturing the life of an Indian politician achieving prosperity through non-linear storytelling. In Hollywood, most biopics follow traditional linear structure. This always leaves no room for surprises and has made for predictable viewing experience. Thankfully, however, that is definitely not the case with “Gandhi”. Attenborough effectively uses non-linear storytelling to capture legacy of an Indian politician. The film deftly switches back and forth among two timelines: Gandhi’s death and memories of his rise becoming an extraordinary politician in India. For instance, non-linear story enhances the assassination scene. During this memorable scene, Gandhi is assassinated by a criminal leaving the world emotionally impacted. Through the non-linear structure, Attenborough creates a compelling portrait of a political leader that audiences can easily relate to. Through a superb screenplay, Attenborough honours a legendary politician in India that tragically passed away.
One appreciates astonishing performances.
Sir Ben Kingsley delivers one of his best career performances as Gandhi. Kingsley achieved appreciation for playing sexy criminals which behave like a beast. With “Gandhi”, however, Kingsley took on his most historical role. It isn’t easy to embody the personality of a legendary leader in Indian history but Kingsley succeeds immensely. This the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. It’s a role that gave the actor the a chance to showcase his natural charisma as an icon in Indian cinema. With mesmerizing expressions, he captures the angst, desperation and resentment of the Indian political leader. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the most celebrated actors working tovah.
While the film is mainly a stunning showcase for Ben Kingsley, the supporting cast is truly amazing and worthy of appreciation. Edward Fox is fantastic, bringing humanity towards a fascinating character with a strong belief in peace. Saeed Jaffrey is superb, bringing a sense of humanity towards a politician which is concerned the fate of the country.Lastly, Rohini Hattangandi merits appreciation. As Gandhi’s wife, she brings heartfelt emotion towards the movie.
Finally, “Gandhi” would earn the appreciation for celebrity a classic fantastic book. A captivating historical biopic, it celebrates a legendary historical figure that built a legacy which proved to be iconic. Unlike most biopics, the film tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. The film tackles universal themes including identity, politics and marriage which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with Indian history to appreciate the movie. It delivers a universal message about the importance of political leaders which would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Gandhi” is one of those rare biopics which everyone would adore.
Fans of Mahatma Gandhi will definitely appreciate “Gandhi” and so will movie-goers seeking enlightening entertainment. A mesmerizing Indian masterpiece, it celebrates an Indian politician that built a legacy which is lasting.
Nearly 90 years after Mahatma Gandhi rose to power seeking to change the way India functioned through practicing peaceful ideologies which were inspiring, it’s a riveting reminder about a legendary actor that has gained a huge fan following through his abilities to portray historical figures that are compelling whose engaging movies that haven’t lost their abilities to captivate audiences are definitely without a doubt worth celebrating.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 