And the Best Picture goes to....
1982
Richard Attenborough, Producer
3 hours 11 minutes
Estimated Budget $22,000,000
Rated PG
The Other Nominated Films
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Missing
Tootsie
The Verdict
Directed by Richard Attenborough Winner, Best Director
CAST
Ben Kingsley Winner, Best Actor
John Gielgud
Rohini Hattangadi
Roshan Seth
Candice Bergen
Edward Fox
Ian Charleson
Also Nominated for
Bhanu Athaiya Winner, Best Costume Design
John Mollo
Ronnie Taylor Winner, Best Cinematography
Billy Williams
John Bloom Winner, Best Film Editing
John Briley Winner, Best Original Screenplay
Stuart Craig Winner, Best Production Design
Michael Seirton
Robert W. Laing
Ravi Shankar Nominated, Best Original Score|
George Fenton
Jonathan Bates Nominated, Best Sound Mixing
Gerry Humphreys
Simon Kaye
Robin O’Donoghue
Tom Smith Nominated, Best Makeup and Hairstyling
LOGLINE:
The True story of Mohandas Gandhi, from young lawyer to the leader of an Indian revolution against British rule through non-violent protests.
REVIEW:.
An ambitious film, Sir Richard Attenborough’s “Gandhi” has received acclaim from many, but I found it to be rather lengthy and at times tedious. While the portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi’s life and his influence on India’s independence movement is undoubtedly significant, I felt it could have been more engaging. From the outset, the film’s length feels daunting. Clocking in at over three hours, “Gandhi” occasionally loses momentum, and there are moments where the storytelling could have been tighter.
Ben Kingsley’s performance as the title character is undeniably the film’s cornerstone. His portrayal is not just a depiction of the icon but an embodiment of the man himself, and justifiably earned him the Best Actor Oscar. His was a standout performance among a cast of thousands.
The cinematography in “Gandhi” is another aspect that deserves high praise as it highlights the landscapes, the culture, and the spirit of the people. Though the film beautifully captures the essence of India, the meticulous attention to detail in the sets and costumes was equally impressive.
In conclusion, although “Gandhi” did not captivate me completely due to its length and pacing issues, it is still an essential historical biopic. The film’s narrative, combined with Ben Kingsley’s performance and the stunning cinematography, makes it a significant portrayal of a man who sought to create change through nonviolent means in a violent world.