arnold (01/31/83)
Micro Review: Go Mini Review: Reasonably complete (as complete as one can expect from a time-limited medium) view of Gandhi's adult life from his start as a lawyer in S. Africa to his assasination. Very well done, gives you a real feel for India's struggle and character, not to mention the British Raj's. Full Review: The major problem with the film is that it tends to relegate the other major characters in the independence movement to moths around the flame. This is probably unavoidable. Otherwise, this film is a must. If you ever really wondered how moral a person can be, or how human a legend can be, this film is it. Although it is also a film on how the British screwed up, it is not entirely unforgiving to the British, showing the humanity along with the vicious brutality. The other reason to see this film is that it is good to be reminded occasionally that you can even go so far as to stage a revolution without violence. Those who thin that the only method of defense is a good offense should be dragged to this film. It does not pretend there was no violence in the Indian revolution (especially during the partition of India and Pakistan), but shows how much was accomplished without it. The only other problem with this film is that it doesn't give you a feel for the immensity of poverty in India. That such a commitment to non-violence could be instilled in such a poor and needy populace is further cause to be impressed. It is useful to remember that this is a biography. The events are real, with only small changes necessary sometimes to avoid pushing in a lot of minor characters. Ken
alexisp (01/31/83)
I very, very, seldom recommend a movie with no disclaimers, since I find
fault with even the best movies.
see Gandhi.
yes, it is 3 1/2 hrs long (plus intermission)...but you won't notice it.
Take a friend, because you'll be talking about the movie for a long time
afterwards. I saw this magnificent film at a 70mm, Dolby stereo, theater,
which I'm sure added to my enjoyment because of the SCALE of the scenes,
one of which literally knocked the wind out of me. If you don't know
anything about the Indian sub-continent's history, a quick browse at an
encyclopedia will make the film more satisfying, since then
you will know who all the main players are (Nehru, Patel, etc.) from the
beginning.
Those interested in the civil rights movement will find even more to
enjoy in this telling of the life of a man prepared to die for his
ideals, but never prepared to kill for them.
hang around for the credits at the end...("boy with goat", "3rd man on
train", etc, etc, etc!!!!)
alexis porras
ihuxk!alexisp