As I’ve stated before, it can be rather difficult (and somewhat pointless) to rehash the plot of a biographical or historical movie but I thought this one was well told, so—here we go…
After opening with Gandhi’s assassination, the film cuts to a young-lawyer Gandhi fighting injustice in South Africa (and honing a technique of nonviolent resistance). The now famous Gandhi travels to India and spends time traveling the country, learning about its hardship and struggle with British rule. He begins orchestrating a nonviolent, non-cooperation campaign. Though it begins to gather steam, the terrible Amritsar Massacre conflicts the movement. On the other side of the intermission, Gandhi’s Salt March unites the nation against the British, though a conference on Indian independence proves fruitless. Finally, after World War II, Britain agrees to grant Indian independence. An accomplished Gandhi turns to mourning and fasting as the country splits into Hindu and Muslim factions and violence erupts. Gandhi’s attempts to quell violence begin to make progress when he is assassinated.
I was tremendously impressed by this film. It is a true and excellent cinematic epic (a genre that doesn’t always equate with quality). Smart story choices, prudent pacing, and a merciful intermission carry the film’s 3 hour, 11 minute runtime with ease. The scale of the film yo-yoed between astonishingly massive shots with waves of humanity to intimate, empty rooms with the frail, old man. The film found time for conflict both geopolitical and interpersonal. And the way the passage of time was portrayed (via design, makeup, acting) was effective and important. I can understand why the film won four of the big five Academy Award categories—Best Director, Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Picture (although it beat E.T., which I freakin’ love, so there’s that).
Opening with the admission that the film can’t possibly cover every facet of Gandhi’s life, it succeeds by focusing on the courage, pain, forgiveness, and stubbornness required to successfully lead and participate in political nonviolence. It left me with a lot of thoughts on Gandhi’s legacy and the role of nonviolent resistance in today’s fractured world. Though I couldn't find answers, the screening was definitely worthwhile.