Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (Ben Kingsley) is one of the most well-known names in terms of protest. Mohandas, typically known only as Gandhi, tested the rough waters of British colonized India in the early twentieth century. He stood against the horrific acts of the British military and the laws that condemned the individuals that they should protect and support. His journey through rigorous fasting rituals, peaceful protest (during times when most would find it nearly impossible to remain in a state of peace) and passionate drive toward making the world a better place is what makes Gandhi one of the most important individuals in history. Gandhi tells his story and expresses the hardships faced throughout the process of advocating for those whom the law was not only ignoring, but oppressing, and the impact that he has had on the world.
The film opens to a procession of Gandhi and thousands of his followers. As they walk down the street it becomes immediately apparent to audiences that one man in the crowd is less than pleased with something taking place at the present moment. He either is unhappy with the events unfolding in front of him or the man that is leading the event, and viewers soon find out that it is Gandhi himself that is the source of the man’s disgruntledness. The man approaches Gandhi, and audiences see what many of them assumed would be one of the final scenes of Gandhi, the demise of the face of peaceful protest in India. Films that present audiences with the film’s conclusion often do this in order to build an almost unnecessary suspense once they have backtracked and attempted to tell the story leading up to the already understood conclusion. They backtrack and use the story to help justify the final actions of the film, and to present audiences with clarification of what they know will eventually come. The issue with
approach to backtracking and telling the story of Gandhi after they understand what happens to him is that knowing how and when he dies does nothing for the rest of the film. The attempted emotional attachment by showing Nathuram Godse (Harsh Nayyar)--Gandhi’s assassin--falls short. With the length of the film and the series of twists and turns throughout Gandhi’s journey causes audiences to ultimately push the revealed assassination to the back of their minds, proving the opening scene to be quite useless. The scene in question adds nothing to the film other than a quick spark that eventually dwindles and fades.
It’s nearly impossible to say that one does not appreciate the story and the sacrifices made by Gandhi, but the film, at times does make it difficult for viewers to become invested in what is taking place. Gandhi did so much for the liberation of India that it seems impossible for Gandhi to cover it all. However, there are moments throughout the film that move at an impeccably slow pace, as writer John Brinley and director Richard Attenborough appear to include even the most minute details of Gandhi’s journey. There are a number of moments in which it becomes difficult to remain focused. Much (if not all) of what Gandhi did was important, but it seems unnecessary to include a series of irrelevant conversations between Gandhi and others. Much of the dialogue present in these conversations are useless and cumbersome, as they add too much content to the already packed film.
Ben Kingsley is somewhat of an unsung hero in Hollywood. It doesn’t seem that he gets the recognition that he often deserves for roles such as this and others (i.e. Trevor Slattery in Iron Man 3 and Damian in Self/less). On the surface, Kingsley seems like a bit of an odd choice to play the titular role of Gandhi; this is certainly not due to his acting abilities, but more so due to the fact that physically he does not appear to fit the role. Kingsley, however, defies expectations and delivers what is quite possibly the best performance of his career. His performance feels casual and natural, ensuring that nothing about the character or the story feels manufactured for Hollywood and that audiences are able to understand the sacrifices made to help free India from its oppressors. Nothing about the performance appears overdone or as if Brinley, Attenborough or Kingsley ever had the intention of attempting to appeal to audiences in fashion that might reduce the story in any way.
The story is beautiful and Gandhi accurately depicts the protagonist and his followers’ struggles. The issues with the pacing of the film causes audiences to feel disenchanted from time to time, but Kingsley’s inspiring performance brings the story back to life and allows those same viewers to appreciate everything the hero went through. Had Brinley and/or Attenborough chosen to shorten the film, even thirty minutes or so, I believe that there would be much less of a lull throughout--while still allowing the central themes and ideas to reach audiences. The emotionally provoking and uplifting performance is what keeps the film together and allows the audience to find an attachment to the story. Kingsley is the heart and soul of Gandhi and ensures that the story of the inspirational activist is heard and his actions are appreciated.
Directed by Richard Attennborough. Written by John Brinley. Starring Ben Kingsley, Rohini Hattangadi, Roshan Seth, Candice Bergen, Edward Fox, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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