Gandhi Review by Sputnik

This acclaimed biographical drama presents major events in the life of Mohandas Gandhi (Ben Kingsley), the beloved Indian leader who stood against British rule over his country. Dedicated to the concept of nonviolent resistance, Gandhi is initially dismissed by English officials, including the influential Lord Irwin (John Gielgud), but eventually he and his cause become internationally renowned, and his gatherings of passive protest move India towards independence.

The movie has so many great scenes like the scene where a young Gandhi is thrown out of the train for traveling in first class or Gandhi’s first protest in South Africa or the scene where Gandhi gives his speech against newly imposed law in South Africa or the scene where he is on trial for sedition or the scene where he prescribes a way out of hell for someone who killed a kid. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre scene is so infuriating. The best scene of the movie is the scene where the protesters keep getting thrashed only to be replaced by the next line of protesters. You can find all these scenes in this Scene of the Week post here.

Ben Kingsley was excellent as Mahatma Gandhi. This has to be one of the greatest performances ever. He deservedly won the Oscar for Best Actor. Rohini Hattangadi was very good as Kasturba Gandhi. Roshan Seth was good as Jawaharlal Nehru. Saeed Jaffrey was good as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Virendra Razdan was good as Maulana Azad. Candice Bergen was good as Margaret. Edward Fox was very good as Brigadier General Reginald Dyer. Martin Sheen was good as Walker. Ian Charleson was good as Charlie. Alyque Padamsee was good as Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Amrish Puri was good as Khan in a small role. Om Puri was very good as the man who killed a kid. Daniel Day-Lewis was good as Colin in a small role. Harsh Nayyar was ok as Nathuram Godse.

Gandhi is one of the greatest movies ever made on one of the greatest human beings ever to walk this Earth. The movie was nominated for 11 Oscars and won 8 including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Ben Kingsley) and Best Original Screenplay. Gandhi is a must watch for everyone.

Highly Recommended