A magnificent epic. Don't miss it.

Rating: 10/10 (28 November 2011)

First off, I'll start by saying that I'm always amazed to read about a great film having trouble raising money or getting studio support. Much like Dances with Wolves, Gandhi almost never came to fruition simply from a lack of funds or belief from the powers that be. I'm not surprised to read the Jake Eberts helped finance this as he as did with Dances, and Star Wars to name a couple others. Why is it so hard for a studio to imagine potential greatness and the spectacle of an epic done right? I imagine things are even worse now for anyone not pitching something involving a comic book hero, a flock of animated penguins, or a project not easily formatted for 3D. Thank goodness for Richard Attenborough and the countless others who worked together to make this unforgettable epic.
There is not much more praise that is needed for this film. Ben Kingsley plays the man known to his people as the "Great Soul". A man who would shed light on the injustices imposed by the British Empire on their Indian subjects. For a time, he almost brought the empire to its knees. And he did it without striking a blow or publicly inciting others to do so. In some scenes where Gandhi hears of violence carried out by protesters loyal to his cause, he seems deeply hurt. Hurt that someone could do harm in his name. And once the British finally hand over India to its own people, Gandhi must face an even tougher task. How can he get Hindus and Muslims to live side by side in peace? This is something we still haven't figured out.
At over three hours, this film never drags. There are plenty of violent scenes, but the intense dialogs between Gandhi and local rival factions are just as interesting. The film kind of subtly points the majority of the blame on the Muslim leadership, and not being a historian I cannot vouch for this. Maybe this was unintentional. Or maybe just my own observation. Kingsley is perfect. Just perfect. When you read some of the other actors being considered for this part, (Dustin Hoffman) you just cringe. How could they have done it without Kingsley? If you've never seen this film, then find it and do so immediately! Before you watch any other. And if its been a while, set aside some time on a weekend afternoon or whenever and see it again. It may even give you hope. Real hope. Not the kind today's leaders merely put up on a fancy poster. 10 of 10 stars.
The Hound.