Lavish Biopic

Rating: 8/10 (9 August 2011)

This lavish production recounts the life and times of the great Indian leader over several decades. Attenborough tackles a biography of epic length and manages to make it interesting for the most part. Only in the final act, which focuses on the civil war between the Hindus and the Muslims, does the film run out of steam somewhat. Kingsley, who is half Indian, is nothing short of brilliant in the title role, providing an uncanny impersonation in terms of looks, vocals, and mannerisms of a man who espoused the power of non-violent resistance. In addition to Bergen and Martin as American journalists, the cast features cameos by a number of notable British actors.