| Product: |
Gandhi (DVD) |
| Date: |
12/02/08 (53 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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My next review although is for a film, I am proud to be writing about, its not only based on a true story, but also has a significant impact on my heritage, and moreover important for many Indians all over the world. This review is on the 1982, Academy award winning film "Gandhi", directed by Richard Attenborough and starring the magnificent Ben Kinsely as Mahatma Gandhi. I saw this film as a young boy growing up, my parnets made me watch it one day because they felt it had such an important aspect of history associated with it, being born in London I at the time didn't no much about my heritage and the history of India, although I knew the British occupied it for many years. The film to me was an excellent insight into the struggle India faced during the British colonial rule and moreover the fight, dedication and determination Gandhi had to secure the countries independence.
The film is both moving and very informative, its slow paced but that's the purpose of the film, its both dramatic and so powerfully moving. The film was a true appraisal of the life and legacy of Mahatma, it showed his beliefs, his coriage, power and determination to fight for a just cause. The film was brilliantly directed by Attenborugh, and is lead by a very good cast, most importantly Kinsley.
Plot:
The film is actually quite compex it has several themes and movement of story lines, the film begins with the funeral of Mahatma who was assassinated. His funeral which took place on January 30th 1948, is resided my millions of Indian and Muslim followers who mourn the death of such a beloved and well known figure. We see how Gandhi gets assisnated during an evening walk in the garden, being shot by a young man and then shouting out "Oh God" before he dies.
The film then rewinds back to the early moments of Gandhi's movement for freedom. We don't get to see his childhood or any aspect of his parental life etc, it moves straight into the pivotal moment were Gandhi is thrown off a train in South Africa, because he was travelling in first class. Gandhi a law student starts his campaign for Indians to be treated with equal respect, why should the population be treated like second class citizen in their own country. Gandhi's protest moves onto his home nation of India, were the British had occupied for some time. The film shows the active involvement of Gandhi trying to make India a free nation, he is arrested several times and shows the story of his aging process and the gain of Independence (Although its a lot more longer than this review).
Characters:
Ben Kingsley as Mahatma Gandhi: By far Kinselys best performance to date, he was simply magnificent and breathtaking. He really gave us a feeling that Gandhi was still alive, he looked liked him, acted like him, walked like him and probably even sounded like him. He really showed the powerful side of Gandhi, as well as his emotional side, primarily the scene were his wife is very ill and probably the only moment in the film he cries.
Rohini Hattangadi as Kasturba Gandhi: We must also praise the role of Gandhi's wife, because it showed the other side of the story, one of which not many people no. when people think of Gandhi they think of this peace work, but they forget that his wife was perhaps his biggest supporter, follower and right hand "women". She really showed the strength to support her husband because she knew what he was doing was the right thing. It was also clear to see how her character always longed for children.
The film has many other cast members, we have the army leaders, Gandhi's political helpers and his closest friends, but for me these two roles define the film and moreover the legacy of Gandhi's life.
I though the film was very powerful and moving, it showed several scenes of violence, which I though was portrayed very effectively. It gave the viewers a real sense of compassion for the struggle many Indian people faced. I can remember two defining moments in the film, the fist being the pinical moment were Gandhi was thrown of the train and the moment were the women ,children and men were massacred under the orders of a pompous army sergant. It was very emotional to say the least, but for me it was something to be proud of, knowing this people died for a good cause, for independence. I think that's the general feeling of the film, it doesn't just show Gandhi's life, but also the overwhelming support and courage of the population of India.
I think another powerful scene was seeing when partition was introduced, whereby the Muslims moved to Pakistan and the Indians who lived where Pakistan was now made had to be moved back to Indian land. It was said to see so many people having to move their families and lively hood to another location because of politics.
The film shows Gandhi making the choice of giving a independent Pakistan to the Muslim population, it was something he really had to do in order to avoid civil war. The film not only explored the fight of Indians against the British, but also the civil unrest between Hindus and Muslims within India, the politics involved has seriously torn the country apart. The film had everything in the right places and thr music that accompanied it was even more brilliant, it added more emphasis to the dramatic scenes.
For me this is a film every Indian has either seen or should see, its very powerful and a good learning curve to better understand your parents lifes. An all round brilliant film.
Production: The film was taped in India in November 1980 and ended almost a year and a half later. The film was praised for its role in creating employment for the local areas; almost 300,000 extras were used, making it a world record which is yet to be beaten.
Cast:
Ben Kingsley
Rohini Hattangadi
Candice Bergen
Martin Sheen
Roshan Seth
Awards:
Gandhi received eight Academy Awards:
* Best Picture
* Best Actor - Ben Kingsley
* Best Director - Richard Attenborough.
* Best Art Direction - Stuart Craig, Bob Laing, Michael Seirton
* Best Cinematography - Billy Williams, Ronnie Taylor
* Best Costume Design - Bhanu Athaiya, John Mollo
* Best Editing - John Bloom
* Best Original Screenplay - John Briley
Budget: $22,000,000
Run Time: 188 Minutes
Release Date: 30th November 1982
Summary: A moving story............
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