Gandhi is a multi
award winning biopic set around the life of Mohandas Gandhi and the formation
of an independent India.
The film opens with Gandhi’s final few moments in 1948 and then goes back to South Africa in
1893 when a fresh faced, idealistic and well educated Gandhi arrives as a newly
qualified lawyer. His treatment in one of the most despicably racist countries
on the planet helps to formulate his ideals and it isn’t long before the young
lawyer is standing up to the authorities for the rights of South Africa’s small
Indian population. Throughout his life Gandhi takes a stand on human rights and
once back in his homeland he sets about pushing India towards independence against
a stern and unmoving British regime.
I saw this movie a couple of years ago and before I did I
have to be honest and say that I knew very little about Gandhi’s life. The film
changed my view of Gandhi from the little guy in a cloth who preached about
peace towards a greater understanding of who he was, what he stood for and what
he means for so many people, not only in India but around the world. The film
is in a word spectacular and features a terrific story of true life struggle
and determination which is populated by great characters and a fantastic
central performance.