The Good - And The Bad - Of Gandhi

Rating: 6/10 (13 February 2006)

THE BAD - Another overt Liberal homage to a "religious" man who isn't Christian. Hollywood loves to heap loving praise on Gandhi, the Dali Lama, Buddha, etc. But Jesus Christ? Forget it, says Hollywood. Let Mel Gibson spend his own money on the movie. Candance Bergen and Martin Sheen, two ultra-liberals, make appearances here showing overdone reverence for the "great man." If the film was re-made today, we would have Barbra Streisand, Michael Moore and George Clooney all visiting Gandhi.
There are several scenes early on when the filmmakers go out of their way to paint Christians as the bad guys and major perpetrators of prejudice. However, in a good-but-not that good instance, we have one Christian minister, played by Ian Charleson, who appears early on as one of the Gandhi's supporters but his theology is a little weak, of course. In fact, Gandhi shows more support for a statement Jesus made than the minister did!
Ghandi, who was a good man with incredible inner strength, of course, had his flaws like all of us, but those aren't really pictured since this film is so biased. (Gandi advised England to let Germany run over them without a fight. He also had alleged pedophile instincts. None of these things were remotely touched on....only the good. That certainly wouldn't have been the case if Gandhi was a Christian leader. Those flaws and innuendos would have been front-and--center.)
THE GOOD - Politics-aside, the film is interesting all the way, which says a lot since it's a 3-hour film.. Ben Kingsley is superb as Gandhi and the Indian actors do a fine job in their roles. Too bad they don't get any billing on the video box. Although some of Gandhi's statements go against Scripture, with his meekness, love and wonderful gentle attitude, he presents a strong case for the secular argument, which was the obvious intent of the filmmakers. The man presents an outstanding example of a human being devoted to living in peace with everyone and willing to die to help stop violence.
It's beautifully filmed and a must to be seen on a widescreen format.