“Gandhi” is a biographical epic of the life of the life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.  Released in 1982, the film directed by Richard Attenborough, chronicles Gandhi’s life, from his early days in South Africa to his pivotal role in leading India to independence from British rule. The beauty of this historical figure is how he succeeded in teaching his nonviolent resistance philosophy to others to jointly be used as a powerful tool against oppression and injustice. Gandhi’s first experience with racial discrimination happened when he arrived in South Africa as a lawyer and helped ignite his passions as an activist.

The film Ghandi opens up with these pivotal experiences in South Africa. After the trial Ghandi had been commissioned for finished, he stayed on in the British Territory for another 20 years. A generation spent leading the Indian community there in a nonviolent protest against discriminatory laws. This laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in India. Upon returning to his homeland, Gandhi becomes the figurehead of the Indian independence movement, advocating for civil disobedience and peaceful protest.

Mahātmā“Gandhi” is one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. Attenborough’s direction brings Gandhi’s story to life with stunning cinematography and powerful performances. Ben Kingsley captures Gandhi’s essence with nuance and authenticity, delivering an extraordinary performance in the titular role.  Unlike the legend that persists about the man, Kingsley’s portrayal is deeply human. He showed Gandhi not as a flawless saint, but as a flawed and complex individual driven by unwavering principles.

The film’s depiction of Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence is both thought-provoking and relevant.  The power of peaceful resistance even in the face of overwhelming odds. From a modern perspective, imagining a successful non-violent protest that directly opposes government, is almost unimaginable, as agitators are commonly put into crowds to create J6 like outcomes. The importance of standing up against injustice hasn’t changed, injustices continue. But who are courageous enough to go to prison and be beaten for their principles. In a world where mere words cause adults to throw temper tantrums, will the courageous be in the numbers required to push back against oppression?

Ghandi hopefully continues to resonate Its message of compassion, hope and the triumph of the human spirit. For as long as injustice continues, its inspiration is needed. As Gandhi himself famously said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

You can also watch “The man who would be king.”

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