BBBB
(out of 5)
Educational, handsomely produced biography of the great thinker who led India to its independence. Ben Kingsley does an awe-inspiring job of carrying an entire three hour epic in his first major film role, and his performance is what really makes this film tick. The film follows his career from his early days as a lawyer in South Africa to his return to India where he publicly protests England’s colonization and treatment of Indian citizens as slaves. His philosophy of non-violent protest and humble existence would move a nation towards the most peaceful liberation a country has seen, but not without sad consequences for the man himself. Fascinating, filled with marvelous detail, and meticulously directed by Richard Attenborough (who worked decades to get the film made). That said, it’s also a bit long and not everyone will rush to see it, but it’s a good learning experience all the same.
International Film Investors, National Film Development Corporation of India, Goldcrest Films International, Indo-British, Indo-British Films
Directed by Richard Attenborough
Screenplay by John Briley
Cinematography by Ronnie Taylor, Billy Williams
Produced by Richard Attenborough
Music by Ravi Shankar
Production Design by Stuart Craig
Costume Design by Bhanu Athaiya, John Mollo
Film Editing by John Bloom
Academy Awards: 1982
Golden Globe Awards: 1982
