Gandhi

Rating:
Summary: Gandhi Inspires....Attenborough Delivers Excellence
Review: Students of history and film alike can well appreciate this great piece of filmmaking about a truly great historical figure.
It took Director/Producer Richard Attenborough 20 years to put the life work of Mohandas K. Gandhi on film. The picture among it's many international awards was also winner of 9 well deserved Academy Awards. Among them, Best Picture(1982),Best Actor(Ben Kingsley),Best Cinematography,Best Screnplay, and Best Director.

The "Mahatma"(Great Soul) as Gandhi was called by his followers,devoted his life to secure freedom for the people of his country, India. From the time as a young attorney, traveling through S. Africa, where he was literally thrown off a train due to his race, until his death by assassination,he led his people with hope and strong beliefs.The British Monarch ruled the nation of India, and treated the citizens as second class. Gandhi would change all that through the means of peaceful civil disobedience, often leading to beatings, imprisoment or both for all that particapted in these demonstrations.In one particular case, even more tragic, gunfire was opened on 15,000 men women and children gathered in rally, many were killed.Gandhi's answer was not revenge however, he felt that if "every man took an eye for an eye, the whole world would be blind."

The film also depicts the famous "March to The Sea", when Gandhi led thousands, to show the British that the salt(an important commidity to them) belonged to everyone,the hunger strikes he went on, and finally the respect earned him by even the British.
Reporters from around the world eventually learned of this great man and flocked to get his story.It follows through on the time after India gained it's Independence from England, and began to have civil probelms of it's own, with conflicts arising between the Muslims, and the Hindu. Again Gandhi would go on hunger strikes to bring peace to his nation.And finally his assassination which stunned the world, that this great man of peace would have his life ended so violently.The funeral scene is a sight to behold.

The film is extraordinary. The cinematography(Filmed mostly in India), the costumes designs, the acting, will all keep you totaly involved with this story of historical importance. Performances by Ben Kingsley, Martin Sheen,Candace Bergen, Sir John Gielgud, Trevor Howard and Edward Fox were all a stroke a brillant casting.Also look for a very young Daniel Day Lewis early on in the film. The music by Ravi Shankar and George Fenton(also given a nod by the academy) encompasses the true culture of India.

The DVD enhances all of the terrific qualities of the film. The widescreen(2.35:1) is perfect. The picture quality and colors clear and vibrant. Sound and dialouge excellent as well. Columbia/Tri-Star has given this important film the treatment it deserves. There are also some great extras. Ben Kingsley talks about Ghandi and how he got into character, there is some original newsreel footage of Ghandi(watch this and you will realize what a remarkable job Kingsley has done), there's a photo montage, and several langauge subtitles(No Indian languages though,.. hmmm???).All together a great DVD.

This is a film that truly deserved all the awards it was bestowed, and it is one that is educational as well as enjoyable....so enjoy.....Laurie

Rating:
Summary: More Than A History Lesson
Review: In a stunning performance, Ben Kingsley stars as the famed Indian leader who showed the world that non-violent resistance was an alternative (and better) way to bringing about change and political justice. From his rise to prominence in South Africa, fighting against unfair racial laws, to his role in bringing about the independence of India from England, Gandhi stood firm with his ideals and maintained a simple life. Director Richard Attenborough fills Gandhi's story with beautiful visuals, yet doesn't shy away from presenting the brutality of violence that Gandhi tried to avoid and end. Kingsley is simply amazing in the lead, seemingly inhabiting the body of his character. The supporting Western cast are often little more than cameos, well done although not necessary, and the Indian cast are excellent. The pace is a little too slow at times, but the film is rich in atmosphere and the photography is beautiful. I knew very little about the life of Gandhi prior to viewing this film, and I come away with a knowledge of who he was and an appreciation and respect for what he stood for. Once again, I am reminded of how the actions of one man can affect the world and the power of standing by what one believes in.

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Summary: THE WORD THAT DESCRIBES THIS MOVIE IS: BEAUTIFUL.
Review: "Gandhi" is one of those movies where everything seems to be perfect. The main character, Mohandas K. Gandhi is one of the most important historical figures, and he deserved a movie that made justice to his legend and greatness. In 1982, Richard Attenborough made a beautiful film that without a doubt, made that thousands of people admire Mohandas K. Gandhi.

Ben Kingsley's performance is one of the most impressive that I have ever seen, thanks to a low-key and spiritual portrait of Gandhi, Ben Kingsley is now known as an excellent actor. There are few main characters, most of them are supporting characters, but the performances are equally impressive.

The cinematography is flawless: the photography, the costumes, the production design and the direction are outstanding. For those that haven't seen "Gandhi", this movie did for Mohandas K. Gandhi the same thing that "Schindler's List" did for Oskar Schindler in 1993, thanks to these movies a lot of people were interested in these historical men.

Definitely "Gandhi" is one of the best films ever made, it's a work of art, the homage that Mohandas K. Gandhi deserved.

Rating:
Summary: Greatest Movie Ever, But Kabir Is Right
Review: Reviewer: catpole from Canada
As said before, this may be the finest film ever made. However, just reading Kabir's review further down this page I have to agree with him 100%. The fatal flaw in not in the film itself - which may be the best ever made - but in the DVD package since it was made over 20 years ago. It's a BIG Question Kabir raises, and a crucial one. Why ISN'T there equal if not greater space given to bios of the magnificent Indian actors who made this film shine when the white actors are given this basic attention?! This smacks of the discrimination Gandhi dedicated his life to. I don't blame Sheen and Co, who also put in great performances, but I DO blame the company that put the DVD together. And why isn't Hindi included along with English, both as as audio track and major subtitle when lesser known languages are? This just doesn't make sense and IS an insult to Indian people. I'm sure Attenborough, Kingsley, and Gandhi himself would disapprove (I'm a white guy by the way). I won't boycott this film because apart from these things it still carries a great message but c'mon Colombia, get with it!! Money grubbing dogs. The company might makew some amends by donating a major portion of this film's profits to, say, the Dalits, but I won't be holding my breath. In the meantime, Kabir, maybe I'll just show it to all my friends for free, free of any guilt. :) Peace.

Rating:
Summary: A soul-conquering fine work of art
Review: Never before have I seen such a powerful work of art. It made me forget the finesse of the technological masterpiece, an advanced Macintosh computer running MacOsX, which delivered the breath-taking scenes in vibrant colors with soul-stirring sound effects. Instead all that stood in my mind was the movie and movie alone. This was a radical change in thought for a person like me who is a avid technology enthusiast. Never before have I been so involved in the scenes of a movie. Every scene and every peice of sound hits the nail right on its head with a powerful strike of the hammer. I must appreciate the dedication of the team and their quest for perfection. Years of their work has produced this masterpiece which mankind can cherish for the eons to come. This certainly is one of the best creations of collective human intellect of superlative degree. The story of the life of a great soul in a soul-conquering work of art.

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Summary: Excellent movie about a 'mover' in this world
Review: Every once in a while this world produces an exceptional human being whose presence makes it a much better place to live in. Such a person was Mahatma Gandhi; the Indian 'radical' whose teachings about non-violent resistance lead to the eventual independence of India from British colonial rule. His teachings have inspired other such movements in the world and his life has been looked up to as a standard which others have tried to emulate.

Every once in a while those responsible for the academy awards have chosen deserving films. This is one of them. Ben Kingsley gives a grand performance as Gandhi, from his youth to his death. The impersonation is spot on; everything from the accent to the gait is so convincing that one could swear Kingsley was Gandhi.

If you are looking for a biography of this man on film, this movie is an excellent source. Condensing Gandhi's life into a few hours is such a great feat, especially when there is so much of this man that could be explored. The movie was filmed in India, with 300,000 extras, so if you like epic films you will definitely enjoy this one. The scenery is authentic and the characters have a reality about them so often lacking in 'hollywood' films. No 'eye-candy' version of a historical event, this is a real movie about a real person.

The DVD extras were ok for a film this old. There is some original newsreel footage which is quite short but still worth watching to see the real Gandhi as he was. Kingsley also gives a talk about how it was being Gandhi, there is also some of the sayings of Gandhi; great candidates for those memorable sayings we all try to memorize to motivate ourselves. All in all a great DVD, the movie is a timeless classic about a great man of the modern world.

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Summary: gandhi-whats the point?
Review: i mean he wasnt that great was he? there are plenty of annorexic people out there. plus its not healthy. throughout that whole movie i was yelling, " GIVE THAT MAN A SANDWICH!" he needs to eat something. I cant tell the difference between mahatma gandhi and paris hilton. in closing WHO LET THE DOGS OUT
WHO WHO WHO WHO.
who let the dogs out-good tune
gandhi-OK flick

i give it ***

GO GANDHI! he is my favorite linebacker in san diego chargers history

Rating:
Summary: This movie delivers the " goods ".
Review: I have seen this movie about 6 times and each time I do feel a deeper appreciation for it. This movie is a master piece filled with great acting, strong dialogue, great shot locations, film direction, editing, and much more. To refer to this film as anything but a master piece would be incorrect. This in my opinon is the best movie ever made. I don't say that lightly because I have seen great works of art such as Godfather one and two, Roman Holiday, look who's coming to dinner, casablanca and ordinary people. I am also under the distinct impression that of all movies i have seen the best opening to any movie is Ghandi. Over 400,000 extras were in the first scene paying homage to Ghandi as his dead body lay covered in roses. They even quote one of the most brilliant minds ( Einstein ) as of having said something to the extent that " Generations from now man will struggle to believe a man such as Ghandie walked the face of the earth" or something like that. GREAT FILM!

Rating:
Summary: One of my favorite movies
Review: I loved this movie about this holy saint. His movement of "soul force" has been the inspiriation for non-violent social protests for decades. I loved that the wit and humor that he portrayed in his books was not lost in this movie!

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Summary: Great Despliction of an Unbelievable Man
Review: "Gandhi", starring Ben Kingsley, is a wonderful journey through the life and times of civil rights leader Mahatma Gandhi. In 1982, it earned nine Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. The hardword spent on this project is rare for cinema. The twenty years spent on production paid off greatly. Director Richard Attenborough led the cast and crew wonderfully to complete one of the greatest films within the last thirty years. This has been rightfully hailed by many critics as one of the Top 100 Greatest Films of all time.

The plot is brilliant. It wonderfully desplicts the life and times of this unbelievable man. The previous heavy research is obvious as they wrote according to Gandhi's words. It accurately desplicts Gandhi's beliefs, morals, and struggles. The chain of events leading to India's independence stay intact. It also wonderfully educates audiences about the wars and the fight for equal rights. The emotional value stays at its top throughout the entire three-hour film. Such difficult task couldn't have been accomplished better. Every word forces audiences to feel every characters' turmoil and struggle.

The environment accurately desplicts early 1900's India. The elaborate surroundings could lead audiences to mistake it for real-life living. The beauty and the ugliness are created wonderfully by make-up. They amazingly make Ben Kingsey almost resemble the real-life Mahatma Gandhi, regardless of desplicted age. The characters' aging processes and the fighting aftermaths are brilliantly crafted. The wardrobes accurately desplict the styles of the times and of what Ghandi wore. They amazingly maintained this through every character...an estimated 300,000 people.

Ben Kinsley won an Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi. His own emotional value shows greatly throughout the film, namely loss, hunger, struggle, and victimization. His actions and speech patterns accurately desplict that of the actual ones. He amazingly maintained his character throught the ages. Therefore, it's not just the resemblence that makes Kingley so amazing as an actor. All other actors also perform their roles wonderfully: Martin Sheen, Candice Bergen, and others.

"Gandhi" is great for those looking for a great quality film. This is sure to continue pleasing audiences as it has since its release. This is rightfully destined to be a classic in the upcoming years.