A Martial Artist's View of The Film: "Gandhi"

Mohandas Gandhi was one of the central figuresfollowers methodically march up to a heavily
who compelled the British to relinquish control ofdefended salt factory, only to be bashed in the
India, their colony, until 1947.face with batons. Their wives drag their limp
He is best known for endorsing a philosophy ofbodies away as the next wave comes, and the
nonviolent opposition to injustice, but don't let thatnext, after that.
fool you.Gandhi's methods have toppled and reformed
As this film stunningly shows, Gandhi was one ofregimes around the world. Marches, hunger
the toughest souls to walk the Earth.strikes, manipulation of the media, and other
What do you think is more indicative of a truecommon practices are tactics that he either
martial artist: (1) Someone who is willing to inflictinvented or greatly advanced.
pain, or (2) Someone who is willing to stand up toUndoubtedly, he was a warrior, as you'll see in this
it?beautiful and textured Richard Attenborough film.
Gandhi did both.All of the leading actors are superb, including Ben
He inflicted pain on the British by humiliating them,Kingsley in the title role, for which he won the
by forcing them to act viciously in front of theOscar. Even the minor roles were filled with future
world, but more important, by making themstars. Daniel Day-Lewis is a local tough, and
aware of their own brutalityJohnny Depp fans take note. He can be seen
He inflicted pain on his followers by insisting thatmarching next to Gandhi in a non-speaking and
they accept violence against themselves, but notun-credited role.
retaliate.A genuine classic, this movie is worth every
In one memorable scene from the picture, Gandhiserious martial artist's time.