RICHARD ATTENBOROUGH

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBBB. 

United Kingdom/India, 1982.  International Film Investors, National Film Development Corporation of India, Goldcrest Films International, Indo-British, Indo-British Films.  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.  

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.

Academy Awards:  Best Picture; Best Actor (Ben Kingsley); Best Director (Richard Attenborough); Best Original Screenplay; Best Cinematography; Best Art Direction; Best Costume Design; Best Film Editing
Nominations: Best Makeup; Best Sound; Best Original Score

Golden Globe Awards:  Best Actor-Drama (Ben Kingsley); Best Director (Richard Attenborough); Best Screenplay; Best Foreign Film; New Star of the Year-Male (Ben Kingsley)