Gandhi Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A skinny dude in a diaper annoys the British so much that they eventually give him a whole country, but then everyone gets mad at him anyway.

🍿 Gandhi: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Activism in South Africa

In 1893, Mohandas K. Gandhi, a young Indian lawyer, is thrown off a train in South Africa for sitting in a first-class compartment, an experience that exposes him to the racial discrimination against Indians. This incident sparks his resolve to fight for the rights of Indians in South Africa. He begins organizing non-violent protests against discriminatory laws. Gandhi’s methods involve civil disobedience, such as burning registration certificates, leading to multiple arrests and public attention. Despite facing harsh treatment and imprisonment, his movement gains momentum and international support. He ultimately negotiates with the South African government, achieving some concessions for the Indian community, though the victory is partial and does not extend to native Black Africans.

Return to India and the Independence Movement

Returning to India in 1915, Gandhi is hailed as a hero for his work in South Africa. He is encouraged to join the Indian National Congress and fight for India’s independence from British rule. Initially, Gandhi tours India to understand the needs and struggles of ordinary Indians, witnessing widespread poverty and injustice. Gandhi advocates for self-reliance, urging Indians to spin their own cloth and boycott British goods. He organizes mass protests, including the Salt March to defy the British salt tax, which galvanize the nation and put immense pressure on the British government. Despite facing imprisonment and violence, Gandhi remains committed to non-violent resistance.

Partition and Final Days

Following World War II, Britain grants India independence, but the decision is made to partition the country into India and Pakistan, creating separate nations for Hindus and Muslims. This leads to widespread communal violence and displacement. Gandhi is deeply saddened by the partition and dedicates himself to restoring peace between Hindus and Muslims. He undertakes fasts and travels to riot-torn areas, appealing for reconciliation. His efforts are met with resistance from extremists on both sides. In 1948, while on his way to a prayer meeting, Gandhi is assassinated by a Hindu extremist, Nathuram Godse, who opposed his efforts to promote Hindu-Muslim unity. His death is mourned worldwide, solidifying his legacy as a champion of peace and non-violence.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mahatma Gandhi (Ben Kingsley): A lawyer who becomes the leader of the Indian revolts against British rule through nonviolent protest.
• Lord Irwin (John Gielgud): A British official who initially dismisses Gandhi but later recognizes his influence.
• Kasturba Gandhi (Rohini Hattangadi): Gandhi’s wife, who supports him throughout his struggles for Indian independence.
• Pandit Nehru (Roshan Seth): A prominent Indian figure who urges Gandhi to fight for India’s independence.
• General Dyer (Edward Fox): A brutal British general who orders his troops to fire on peaceful protesters in Amritsar.
• Mohamed Ali Jinnah (Alyque Padamsee): A leader advocating for a separate Muslim state, eventually leading to the creation of Pakistan.
• Vince Walker (Martin Sheen): An American journalist who documents Gandhi’s journey, providing global coverage to his movement.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Gandhi: “An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.” – Gandhi explains his philosophy of non-violence and its potential to create a more peaceful world.
• Gandhi: “I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent.” – Gandhi articulates his fundamental belief that violence is never a justified solution.
• Gandhi: “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.” – Gandhi explains the stages of any non-violent resistance movement towards acceptance.
• Gandhi: “When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it–always.” – Gandhi speaks of his unwavering faith in his methods even during times of great hardship.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $22,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $52,767,889
• Worldwide Gross: $52,768,419

💥 Gandhi Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely absorbed by ‘Gandhi.’ Ben Kingsley *became* Gandhi for me; it’s one of those performances that sticks with you. The scene where the protestors march towards the salt plant and are beaten without retaliating was incredibly powerful and moving. Even though it’s a long film, I didn’t feel the time, and I left feeling genuinely inspired by Gandhi’s message of peace and non-violent resistance. I’ll probably watch it again soon.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “History enthusiasts”
  • “Fans of biographical dramas”
  • “Those interested in social justice and non-violent resistance”
  • “Viewers who appreciate epic films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence (depiction of historical violence, including the Amritsar massacre)”
  • “Mature themes (religious and political conflict)”
  • “Some scenes may be disturbing to sensitive viewers”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A monumental achievement in filmmaking. Ben Kingsley delivers a career-defining performance as Gandhi, capturing his spirit and unwavering commitment to non-violence. Attenborough’s direction is masterful, creating an epic that is both grand in scale and deeply personal.
• Variety: “An impressive and moving biography that successfully portrays Gandhi’s life and impact. The film’s scope and attention to historical detail are remarkable, making it a valuable and engaging cinematic experience. Kingsley is excellent, and the supporting cast shines.
• RogerEbert.com: “A powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of Gandhi’s philosophy and its impact on the world. While the film can feel lengthy at times, it never loses its emotional core. Kingsley’s performance is truly transformative.

Audience Reactions

Ben Kingsley’s phenomenal performance truly embodies Gandhi.: Viewers praise the film’s historical accuracy and inspiring message of non-violence.

The scale and scope of the crowd scenes are breathtaking and immersive.: The large and impressive scale of the movie is a real spectacle.

Overall Consensus: A critically acclaimed epic that is inspiring and moving. Ben Kingsley’s performance is considered legendary, and the film is seen as an important historical document.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Picture)- 1983
2. Academy Award (Best Director)- 1983
3. Academy Award (Best Actor)- 1983
4. Academy Award (Best Original Screenplay)- 1983
5. Academy Award (Best Art Direction)- 1983
6. Academy Award (Best Costume Design)- 1983
7. Academy Award (Best Film Editing)- 1983
8. Academy Award (Best Cinematography)- 1983
9. Golden Globe Award (Best Motion Picture – Drama)- 1983
10. Golden Globe Award (Best Director)- 1983
11. Golden Globe Award (Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama)- 1983

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Richard Attenborough spent nearly 20 years trying to get the film made, facing numerous financial and logistical challenges.”
• “Ben Kingsley’s performance was so convincing that many people in India believed he was Gandhi reincarnated.”
• “The funeral scene involved over 300,000 extras, making it one of the largest crowd scenes ever filmed without CGI.”

🖥️ How to Watch Gandhi?

Gandhi is available for streaming rental or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability on other streaming services. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can be purchased through online retailers like Amazon and major retail stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Gandhi, you might like these similar films:

• Malcolm X (1992): Both are epic biopics about influential figures who fought for civil rights and social change, although with differing methods.
• Schindler’s List (1993): Deals with themes of injustice, morality, and the power of one individual to make a difference during times of widespread oppression.
• Lawrence of Arabia (1962): A sprawling historical epic with stunning visuals and a complex central character navigating political and cultural divides.
• Invictus (2009): Focuses on Nelson Mandela’s efforts to unite post-apartheid South Africa through the 1995 Rugby World Cup, sharing themes of reconciliation and leadership in the face of deep-seated divisions.

🛒 Gandhi Related Products

• Gandhi (Blu-ray): Experience the epic story of Gandhi in stunning high definition. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and documentaries about the making of the film.
• Gandhi: An Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth: Get to know Gandhi himself with the book to know the man.
• Mahatma Gandhi Quote Poster: A high-quality poster featuring an iconic quote from Mahatma Gandhi, perfect for inspiring peace and reflection in any room.
• Funko POP! Gandhi: Add this important person to your Funko POP! collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

Gandhi features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram” – performed by Various Artists (Traditional Indian Bhajan)
• “Vaishnava Jana To” – performed by Various Artists (Traditional Indian Bhajan)
• “Main Theme” – performed by George Fenton and Ravi Shankar

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

MAHATMA GANDHI: An Autobiography | Animated Book Summary

Get a quick and engaging overview of Gandhi’s remarkable life and teachings, from his childhood to his leadership of India’s independence movement.

The Problems with Mahatma Gandhi

Explore the lesser-known aspects of Gandhi’s life, including his views on caste, economy, and his personal experiments, to gain a balanced perspective on his legacy.

Indira Gandhi’s UNFILTERED Story Explained In 11 minutes – Rise & Fall

Dive into the story of Indira Gandhi, India’s first female Prime Minister, and witness the highs and lows of her controversial reign, which shaped India’s political landscape.

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