Armchair Critic… Gandhi…

by hjparker68

Armchair Critic is a series of film reviews concentrated on films from the past, present, and future. (Future: Not released to the general public at time of publication.) Some may be one sentence long, others several paragraphs. Warning some reviews may contain Spoilers.

Mahatma Gandhi, perhaps the single most recognizable figure in history as the father of nonviolent civil disobedience, is the subject of Richard Attenborough’s 1982 film Gandhi. The film follows Mahatma Gandhi’s life, starting with his assassination in 1948, then jumping back in time to 1893 and the inciting incident in South Africa. A young Gandhi well working as a British Educated Barrister is forcibly removed from a train because of his skin color. This event inspired Gandhi to speak out against practices of discrimination and social inequality first in South Africa, then in India, with Gandhi peacefully leading the people of India to independence from British rule. Brilliantly acted by Ben Kingsley with strong supporting performances from Martin Sheen, John Gielgud, Candice Bergen, and Edward Fox. Attenborugh’s thirty-two year old film is just as relevant today, as when it was first released. A must see, especially for those of the younger generations, who may not be familiar with Gandhi, or his truly awe inspiring life.