Above Average, But Not Amazing Biopic

Rating: 7/10 (10 July 2003)

I think my overall feelings towards Gandhi is so tepid because I've just seen this too much in movies. Movies about oppression in foreign land, usually based on a true story. And though while it does not make the events themselves any less terrible, it makes me numb to any strong emotion coming from films about the subject. Maybe if I'd seen this film 10 years ago before I became heavily in love with films, I would have found a greater appreciation for it.
Attenborough's directing is masterful, and it's his and the cinematographer's gorgeous work on this film and the really elevated it to a higher level. That, and one of the finest performances off all-time by Sir Ben Kingsley. I'm not too familiar with the life of Gandhi, but there is no doubt in my mind that Kingsley is anything less than a reflection of the man himself. His performance was incredible, not to mention a great supporting cast. The film's hefty running time could have been cut, being as a a few of the films scenes were just reiteration of points already established earlier on. Pacing is the only real weak element present in the film.

A technical marvel, Ganhdi should be viewed by all, especially if you are more emotional than someone like me. You'll no doubt find a much greater admiration for it than I did.
7/10
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