10/10
1982
A Richard Attenborough Film
Protagonist(s): Ben Kingsley
Run-time: 3 hours 3 minutes
The epic film biography of one of the world's best known peaceful men, who waged wars and rebellions not with swords or guns or bombs, but with a steely resolve and open arms; turning the other cheek again and again rather than raising a fist.
I have seen this film a few times in my life, and it is without a doubt one of the more powerful emotional ones on my list of non-action heroes. And each time I see it, I am amazed at how easily Mahatma's followers turn to wrath and death even though they claim to share his ideals of non-violence. I am not, however, surprised by the actions of those with small and closed minds; responding with gnashing teeth and closed fists to any perceived insult or ungodly behaviour, as this has happened throughout history so many times one can almost set ones clock by it.
The imagery presented in the film is most excellent, each landscape shot and each scene laid out for maximum effect without appearing to have been arranged in any way, even if they most definitely have been.
The acting talent is understated but very believable. Mr Kingsley truly manages to convincingly play the part of, as the phrase is repeated time and again throughout the film; a funny little man in a loincloth.
The effects are few and mostly of the physical kind, though there must have been some trick photography or editing done it is not easy to spot.
In all a thoroughly detailed and informative film, which entertains as much as it educates.
I recommend this film to anyone, though those under the age of eight might find some of the violent scenes a little disturbing, and some of the actions confusing.
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