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/HO TIE REVIEWGANDHI BY MARK FNOERLEThere is a scene in “Gandhi” indicative of the overall quality of this outstanding film, Gandhi is leading a troop of admirers on a 200 mile hike to the shores of the Indian Ocean. The purpose of the journey was to make salt, a product that until this time was made exclusively by the British.During the hike an Indian youth spots the oncoming cavalcade. He quickly scales a nearby tree to achieve a better vantage point. As he recognizes the leader of band the as Mahatma (Great Soul) Ghandi, the boy breaks out in a spontaneously joyous grin. He realizes that he is in the presence of a “greatness” so special that it is to be revered, not feared.This entire scene only lasts about 30 seconds, but it speaks well of the thoroughness that went into making this film. It could have easily been edited out and certainly would not have been missed, however, its inclusion made a statement that enriched the cinematicproduct.“Gandhi” is as perfect as a film can be made. The result is a testament to the dedication of producer/director Richard Attenborough, who brought his 20 year obsession to a successful conclusion.The film starts with the novel approach of beginning with the end. The first five minutes deal with Gandhi’s assassination, which subsequently frees the film to tell this man’s story without a fateful sense of anticipation.Gandhi first becomes associated with the injusticesof the world as he is traveling through South Africa. Although he is a young lawyer recently graduated from aBritish institution, he is still ordered to relinquish his first-class ticket or be thrown off the train.Undaunted, he refuses to comply and is forcibly removed from the train. Inspired by this injustice, he leads an attempt to organize the Indian citizens of South Africa, who have come to work in the fields and the mines, in a fight for “equality.”It is during this time Gandhi first embraces the philosophy of non-aggression/non-compliance. With no end to the social disruption, the British authorities agree to relent to his position. Gandhi is therefore regarded as a hero who had the courage to lead a movement against the imperialistic Englishmen, and won.Gandhi decides to return to India and turns his thoughts to Indian independence from England. With the ultimate goal of making “India proud of itself,” he tries to use many of the same practices that worked in the South African uprising.Despite continual arrests and plaguing self-doubts, Gandhi remains faithful to his destined task. While facing a stodgy British council he simply states, “It is time you left.” The governing members don’t take him seriously and are unaware of the influence he has had on the Indian citizens.It was Gandhi’s intense will that led his countrymen through the violent attacks on them during their struggle for independence and internal disagreements after their liberation.Quickly the film reaches the end at which it started. Gandhi is murdered at a time when he is questioning his success. The historical talc is over and theaudience is left to mull over the importance of this very special man.“Gandhi” was, however, only a movie attempting to follow a well-documented historical figure through his life. There were no suprises in this film from a strictly historical standpoint; the makers of this film could have easily fallen into a “documentary” state of mind. Thankfully, they did not.Whal then made “Ghandi” an extraordinary film? BEN KINGSLEY!Kingsley’s portrayal of Gandhi is virtually beyond description. Called upon to play Gandhi in 56 of hts 79 years, Kingsley perfectly matures from the proper and respectful British-educated lawyer to the wise and perceptive man who lead a nation of 300 million to independence.During the course of this transformation Kinglsey allowed the audience insight into the humor, warmth andhumanity permeating Gandhi’s personality.# Kingsley went far beyond a simple charcterization; he probed into the spirit of the man so that all those who saw it could identify, not with Kingsley playing Gandhi, but with Gandhi himself.The other members of the cast also did a fine job in their respective roles. Chief among these was Edward Fox’s performance • as the cold brigadier-general who ordered the senseless massacre of peaceful Indian demonstrators and Rohini Hattangady’s portrayal of Gandhi’s strong-willed wife, Kasturba.Occasionally a* movie will be made that is as educational as it is entertaining. “Gandhi” is such a film. This is a timeless movie that will lend itself very well to the learning process of generations.“Gandhi” is being shown at Cinema 1 2, 345 S. Koeller.
Newspaper Details
Oshkosh Advance Titan
Oshkosh, Wisconsin, US
Thu, Mar 24, 1983
Page 17
Full Page
Clipped by
Jon C.
NJ, USA 14 Jan 2020
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