gandhi movie summary essay

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In the middle of this epic film there is a quiet, small scene that helps explain why “Gandhi” is such a remarkable experience. Mahatma Gandhi, at the height of his power and his fame, stands by the side of a lake with his wife of many years. Together, for the benefit of a visitor from the West, they reenact their marriage vows. They do it with solemnity, quiet warmth, and perhaps just a touch of shyness; they are simultaneously demonstrating an aspect of Indian culture and touching on something very personal to them both. At the end of the ceremony, Gandhi says, "We were thirteen at the time." He shrugs. The marriage had been arranged. Gandhi and his wife had not been in love, had not been old enough for love, and yet love had grown between them. But that is not really the point of the scene. The point, I think, comes in the quiet smile with which Gandhi says the words. At that moment we believe that he is fully and truly human, and at that moment, a turning point in the film, Gandhi declares that it is not only a historical record but a breathing, living document. 

This is the sort of rare epic film that spans the decades, that uses the proverbial cast of thousands, and yet follows a human thread from beginning to end: “Gandhi” is no more overwhelmed by the scope of its production than was Gandhi overwhelmed by all the glory of the British Empire. The movie earns comparison with two classic works by David Lean, “ Lawrence of Arabia ” and “ Doctor Zhivago ”, in its ability to paint a strong human story on a very large canvas. 

The movie is a labor of love by Sir Richard Attenborough, who struggled for years to get financing for his huge but "non-commercial" project. Various actors were considered over the years for the all-important title role, but the actor who was finally chosen, Ben Kingsley , makes the role so completely his own that there is a genuine feeling that the spirit of Gandhi is on the screen. Kingsley's performance is powerful without being loud or histrionic; he is almost always quiet, observant, and soft-spoken on the screen, and yet his performance comes across with such might that we realize, afterward, that the sheer moral force of Gandhi must have been behind the words. Apart from all its other qualities, what makes this movie special is that it was obviously made by people who believed in it. 

The movie begins in the early years of the century, in South Africa. Gandhi moved there from India in 1893, when he was twenty-three. He already had a law degree, but, degree or not, he was a target of South Africa's system of racial segregation, in which Indians (even though they are Caucasian, and thus should "qualify") are denied full citizenship and manhood. Gandhi's reaction to the system is, at first, almost naive; an early scene on a train doesn't quite work only because we can't believe the adult Gandhi would still be so ill-informed about the racial code of South Africa. But Gandhi's response sets the tone of the film. He is nonviolent but firm. He is sure where the right lies in every situation, and he will uphold it in total disregard for the possible consequences to himself. 

Before long Gandhi is in India, a nation of hundreds of millions, ruled by a relative handful of British. They rule almost by divine right, shouldering the "white man's burden" even though they have not quite been requested to do so by the Indians. Gandhi realizes that Indians have been made into second-class citizens in their own country, and he begins a program of civil disobedience that is at first ignored by the British, then scorned, and finally, reluctantly, dealt with, sometimes by subterfuge, sometimes by brutality. Scenes in this central passage of the movie make it clear that nonviolent protests could contain a great deal of violence. There is a shattering scene in which wave after wave of Gandhi's followers march forward to be beaten to the ground by British clubs. Through it all, Gandhi maintains a certain detachment; he is convinced he is right, convinced that violence is not an answer, convinced that sheer moral example can free his nation as it did. "You have been guests in our home long enough," he tells the British, "Now we would like for you to leave." The movie is populated with many familiar faces, surrounding the newcomer Kingsley. Where would the British cinema be without its dependable, sturdy, absolutely authoritative generation of great character actors like Trevor Howard (as a British judge), John Mills (the British viceroy), John Gielgud , and Michael Hordern? There are also such younger actors as Ian Bannen , Edward Fox , Ian Charleson, and, from America, Martin Sheen as a reporter and Candice Bergen as the photographer Margaret Bourke-White. 

Gandhi stands at the quiet center. And Ben Kingsley's performance finds the right note and stays with it. There are complexities here; “Gandhi” is not simply a moral story with a happy ending, and the tragedy of the bloodshed between the Hindu and Muslim populations of liberated India is addressed, as is the partition of India and Pakistan, which we can almost literally feel breaking Mahatma Gandhi's heart. 

I imagine that for many Americans, Mahatma Gandhi remains a dimly understood historical figure. I suspect a lot of us know he was a great Indian leader without quite knowing why and such is our ignorance of Eastern history and culture we may not fully realize that his movement did indeed liberate India, in one of the greatest political and economic victories of all time, achieved through nonviolent principles. What is important about this film is not that it serves as a history lesson (although it does) but that, at a time when the threat of nuclear holocaust hangs ominously in the air, it reminds us that we are, after all, human, and thus capable of the most extraordinary and wonderful achievements, simply through the use of our imagination, our will, and our sense of right.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

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Gandhi (1982)

188 minutes

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“Gandhi” Movie Summary

The movie Gandhi tells the story of Mahatma Gandhi, who was assassinated in 1948. It starts with his death and then goes back to his early life as a practicing attorney in South Africa. Gandhi is motivated by religious means and believes in equality for everyone. He stresses non-violence and is involved in several movements for equality. The Indians are mad because of British rule, and Gandhi leads several protests against it. The movie shows his struggle for India’s independence, and how the western press played a role in it. Finally, India gains independence, but a civil war between Hindus and Muslims breaks out, which Gandhi tries to stop with a fast. However, he is eventually assassinated.

The movie “Gandhi” starts with the tragic occurrence of Gandhi’s murder on January 30, 1948, which took place because of the separation between Hindus and Muslims into Pakistan and India. The story then shifts to Gandhi’s beginnings as a lawyer in South Africa, where he faces discrimination on a train due to his Indian background. When he refuses to give up his first-class seat, it inspires him to lead a protest by burning discriminatory laws. As a result, the demonstrators are arrested but ultimately released.

Gandhi is driven by his religious beliefs, advocating for equality in the eyes of God. He actively participates in various equality movements, emphasising the importance of non-violence. The Indian people are infuriated by the ongoing restrictions imposed by British rule, such as mandatory fingerprinting and invalidated marriage laws. While his followers pledge to fight their oppressors with their lives, Gandhi dissuades them from resorting to violence.

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Gandhi and his wife create a communal lifestyle based on purity, relying solely on the land for their sustenance. In a particular incident, they call upon all of Gandhi’s followers to dispose of any clothing made in Britain and exclusively wear garments that they create themselves. Gandhi persists in this practice throughout his life, often donning only a loincloth.

In jail, Gandhi witnesses a horrific event where the police imprison a square full of his followers who were peacefully gathered. Tragically, over 1,500 people are killed. Witnessing this atrocity deeply disturbs and demoralizes Gandhi. Despite his disgust, he continues to advocate for non-violence. However, there are occasional conflicts between the Indians and the police. In response to the popular notion of “an eye for an eye,” Gandhi aptly points out that following such a path will ultimately result in everyone being blind. Determined to fight against British rule, Gandhi organizes numerous protests. In one instance, he urges all Indians to cease their work, effectively paralyzing major cities across the nation. In another demonstration, Gandhi leads a 165-mile march to the sea in protest of the British monopoly on salt.

The Indians produced salt from the sea, which played a significant role in their struggle for independence. The western press contributed to a pivotal moment by documenting an incident where Indian individuals attempted to enter a factory in a disciplined manner, only to be mercilessly attacked by soldiers. As this unfolded, women tended to the deceased and wounded. Moreover, a reporter from Time magazine visited Gandhi in prison, capturing numerous photographs while raising awareness of his situation to the global community.

Finally, Gandhi travels to Europe to negotiate India’s freedom. During their time there, progress is made, but the official release does not occur until August 15, 1947. After India becomes free, a civil war erupts between Hindus and Muslims. This results in the division of the country, with India and Pakistan emerging as separate nations, leading to widespread chaos. In an effort to end the violence, Gandhi embarks on another hunger strike, vowing not to eat until all fighting ceases. Despite the tremendous difficulty, his resolve prevails and peace is eventually restored. Sadly, shortly thereafter, Gandhi is assassinated.

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Critical Analysis of the Movie Gandhi Report

Executive summary, the film gandhi.

A leader can create milestones, transforms people, or change history. What motivates a leader to do one of these, or all of them, can be examined in the internal and external environment of the leader, the characteristics of the people, events that are happening, and the characteristic traits of the leader. The leader capable of doing these has also the characteristics distinct from others. A leader should have the cognitive and emotional intelligence to achieve what Gandhi has achieved as an effective leader who led the independence of India.

The story of Mahatma Gandhi is one of the most fascinating stories in the history of colonizing countries and human rights. Gandhi wanted independence and to free India from the clutches of the British Empire without resorting to violence. He used humility and fasting instead of force. Fasting was his most effective weapon against the British rulers. He was, in the words of Howard Gardner (1999), “a creator with superlative interpersonal intelligence”.

Gandhi popularized the idea of peaceful resistance. He fasted for days until he gained sympathy from a great number of people, forcing the government to give in to some of his demands. He was an effective leader because he had the characteristic traits of a leader such as self-confidence, humility, trustworthiness, extraversion, enthusiasm and sense of humor.

Moreover, his leadership was effective because of several factors. The internal and external environment chose his leadership; he did not only volunteer for his leadership, but the people chose him to be their leader. India waited for his homecoming so he could lead the people to fight for their independence, without violence.

Scene 1 – The assassination (2:39 – 4:27)

The opening scene can tell us how an effective leader can be cut off from continuing his leadership. Assassination is cutting off someone who is effective. The assassination of Gandhi cuts him off from his people.

The reason of course is obvious – he is an effective leader, the people follow him, whatever he says has an effect and an outcome, or perhaps, we can say that his leadership cannot be stopped except through the bullet of a gun. The assassin is one of those opposed to his ways. But there is another leadership here – the assassin is being coached by another leader, someone who is against Gandhi’s teaching.

Scene 2 – Gandhi’s burial parade (4:36 – 6:16)

The burial parade is attended by hundreds of thousands, people of all walks of life, and dignitaries and representatives from the different countries of the world.

Gandhi was a Hindu who practiced the teachings of Christianity, sympathized with Muslims and other religions, but was revered by millions throughout India and the world. His leadership was leadership by example. He made humility not only a tool but a weapon mightier than an empire.

Gandhi’s burial showed that Gandhi was not just an ordinary leader. He was a leader of no army, but his enemies feared his weapon.

Scene 3 – Gandhi, a young lawyer, consulting and discussing with the Indian immigrants of South Africa, telling them his train experience wherein he was thrown out because he was colored – 9:21-11:18

Gandhi was surprised that the Indians had accepted their fate, subject to white supremacy. This was the beginning of his desire to change his oppressed countrymen. He wanted to lead and the people had to be awakened. Gandhi knew India needed change, but it had to start from the ordinary folks in the countryside. Indians under the British Empire had to know what was going on. The people were living in extreme poverty under a foreign government. Somebody had to begin the campaign for freedom, and he started his campaign in South Africa.

This is one of the first scenes that showed his interpersonal skill of communicating with a small group of Indians in South Africa. He communicated clearly with them and established a strong personal bond. He convinced them to help him organize the Indians of South Africa.

This small group of Indians who became a core group in Gandhi’s small community was a motivational factor in Gandhi’s initial outburst of leadership and ‘cry’ for justice for the oppressed Indian immigrants of South Africa. They were motivating each other.

They had a mutual relationship although at first they were pessimistic because they knew they were going to fight a formidable force – the British Empire. They first warned Gandhi, but later they were all awakened by the fact that they had to be united to fight for justice. They saw in Gandhi the traits of a good leader.

Scene 4 – Gandhi organizes the Indian Congress of South Africa – 11:18-16:03

Gandhi organized his young countrymen, including the rich Indians and ordinary people who had migrated to that country for jobs or to find their place under the sun. His leadership skill displayed in the initial stages of the ‘revolution’ to free India. He even asked his wife to bring along with them the wives of the other Indians. Organizing the small groups of Indians to stand for a cause was a beginning feat for Gandhi. He sought the help of the press, as he was himself a writer, and from the Indian population of South Africa.

Gandhi and the businessman who was motivated to follow him asked the Indians to burn their passes. The ‘pass’ was a piece of government document which was required of all colored people in South Africa to distinguish them from the Europeans. Only the whites did not have passes.

By burning the passes, Gandhi and the people protested the injustice of the white government. Gandhi was beaten but he showed no fear. This is the kind of leadership that the people wanted. The wake-up call started by Gandhi presented him as a charismatic leader. Charismatic leaders have “strong convictions, high self-confidence, a tendency to dominate, and a desire to influence those around them” (Mannarelli, 2006, p. 46).

The first to burn his pass was the rich Indian who was immediately apprehended by the police. But Gandhi did not show fear. He wanted the people to follow him even in the face of danger. In his confrontations with the British authorities, he was confident of himself. Gandhi’s speech angered the police and the British authorities.

No one had ever made such a remark or goaded the Indians to rise to action. Gandhi’s statement was a cry for a revolution. To ask to be treated as equal with the white people meant ‘sacrilege’ for the white people at that time. The police were alarmed; this was like calling to arms. But Gandhi said that they were not seeking a rise to arms but their protest was for peaceful means, and all they wanted was justice.

The environment was ripe for a change. The Indians were beginning to feel the pressure from the government. They needed a leader; they needed someone who had the characteristic traits of a leader, someone they could follow, and someone who could be trusted. When they saw and felt that Gandhi was that someone that had been waiting for, they cooperated with him. They were awakened and they wanted to fight.

Scene 5 – Gandhi and a Christian preacher meet a group of young white people who were ready to harass them – 18:42 – 19:49

Gandhi knew how to understand his emotions and others; he also knew his opponents. While walking with the pastor who came to visit him, they met a group of young men who were ready to harass, or make a fool of them. Gandhi’s self confidence and humility are remarkable in this scene. He said to the pastor that he had heard of the teachings of Jesus Christ and followed some of his examples. Gandhi told his pastor friend the example of Jesus Christ that when your enemy strikes you in one cheek, offer the other. The young men did not push through with their evil intent.

The whites were beginning to feel the pressure too. So they were starting to harass and add more pressure to the Indians.

Scene 6 – Gandhi asks his wife to clean the latrine of the room for the journalist’s driver – 22:28 – 25:07

Gandhi leads a Christian community known as ‘ashram’. He was addressed as “Bapuji”, which meant father. India was in a deadlock; the country was under the heels of change. This change was about to burst in the midst of mounting protests by nationalists and Japan’s imperial ambitions. (Fisher, 1942, p. 32)

His leadership was like leading a family; he was a father to the members of the community. He experienced the poverty of his people by organizing the community known as ‘ashram’. Gandhi emphasized the importance of understanding people (Gardner, 1999, p. 46). He displayed a precocious concern with the treatment of others and with consequences of violating one’s moral codes. Gandhi had the quality of inter-personal intelligence.

In their community, they offer hospitality to their visitors. One time when a journalist visited them, Gandhi asked his wife to clean the latrine, one for the journalist, and another for the driver. The wife refused, arguing that she was a member of a class in India known as “untouchable”. Gandhi had wanted to modify this caste system. His leadership was to lead by example; no one should be above the other even if he is a leader.

He had taught humility to his people, and this should be practiced by everyone including the members of his family. He used his interpersonal skills in persuading his wife that it was for principle that he wanted to modify some of the Indian beliefs. The caste system was discriminatory. His family should be the first to show to the people that they practiced what they preached.

Gandhi was a trustworthy leader, and to be trustworthy, he was being genuine and honest in his values and beliefs (Dubrin, 2009, p. 38). He practiced this at the risk of sending his wife out of his own home when the latter insisted that she was a member of “untouchables”. Gandhi did not like this thought and the Indian custom. It had to be blotted out from the minds of ordinary Indian families.

Gardner (1999, p. 128) said that leaders have a good intrapersonal sense – “a keen awareness of their own strengths, weaknesses, and goals – and they are prepared to reflect regularly on their personal course.”

Another trait of a leader is self-awareness. In his confrontation with his wife about the latrine issue, Gandhi was examining his conscience. He had some weaknesses and strength. But he knew he could draw some strength from his wife who had always been there. From this time on, he learned to understand himself, his mood and behavior and how he could affect others.

Scene 7 – Gandhi speaks in front of Muslims and Hindus – 25:08 – 30:25

There is tension because the British general had imposed new stricter laws against the Indians. All Indians were to be fingerprinted; marriages had to be Christian marriage, and other than this act, their wives were considered whores. A policeman, entering an Indian dwelling, may enter that dwelling and could do anything to their wives, legally.

There is an uproar coming from the audience as Gandhi explains the new law. But Gandhi persuades them not to attack anyone; to resist by not giving their fingerprints. Through their pain, the British would see their injustice.

“We will not strike a blow. We cannot lose. They may torture my body, break my bones, they can have my body, but not my obedience.” Gandhi spoke to the crowd in the presence of government people.

In this scene, Gandhi showed the many qualities of a real leader. He had self-confidence. Humility is one of those traits needed of an effective leader. Gandhi also showed extraversion. He was outgoing and gregarious, convincing the people not to obey the laws of the British, but not to fight violence with violence.

He was an effective leader in the truest sense of the word.

Scene 8 – Gandhi leading the miners’ strike – 30:26 – 34:53

Another scene of the film portrayed Gandhi leading the miners’ strike. Horse-driven constables came to disperse Gandhi and the crowd, but the group resisted by lying on the road. The troops retreated. Gandhi showed leadership by example. He was ready to die with the miners. He taught them courage and humility in the face of danger. The owner of the mine could do nothing but leave along with the police.

Scene 9 – The effectiveness of Gandhi’s example – 34:54 – 36:00

The preacher in one of his sermons was reiterating the principles being taught by Gandhi. “We will not fight but we’ll not comply.” The preacher learned much from Gandhi. The leadership qualities were now implanted in the heart of the preacher, despite his being a Christian.

Scene 10 – Gandhi and his countrymen are freed – 36:00 – 39:38

Gandhi is called to the office of the general informing him that he and the rest of the Indian prisoners would be released. But in exchange for the general’s ‘goodness’, Gandhi asked for money, saying that he was going home to India. This is one of those Gandhi’s wise moves.

A leader should be wise. Gardner (1999) said that “a person who can use several intelligences together appropriately is more likely to be wise, because a greater number of faculties and factors will have entered into the equation.” An example is a military man’s leadership: a military man can be schooled in the art of diplomacy and fighting. The military leader uses his intelligences in persuasion or diplomacy and the art of fighting with arms and bullets.

In the scene in which Gandhi was released from person, he used wisdom. Gandhi asked money from the general who said he neither had money, but pointed to Mr. Daniel to give Gandhi the needed money.

How far was Gandhi going? He was going home to India. Gandhi was going away from the prisons of South Africa, to return home to India who needed him most. In India, he was joyfully received by the people, and gave him a hero’s welcome. There was much work to do for Gandhi in the land he did not know much. But he was determined to free India from the British possession. Gardner and Laskin (1995) said that Gandhi saw himself as the only one who could help India; there was no other one.

Scene 11 – A hero’s welcome (daytime) 40:00 – 43:49

In India, Gandhi was greeted by thousands of people, including the political leaders of India, members of congress, and other influential people. Many had heard of his exploits in South Africa, and had read his articles. Gandhi’s leadership skills were like a magnet to the people.

Bruce J. Avolio (cited in Dubrin, 2010, p. 20) states that “leadership is a function of both the leader and the led and the complexity of the contest.” Leadership is not imagined, nor is it abstract. It involves the person and the persons led and a variety of forces in the environment. Gandhi knew he could lead them but he had to motivate his countrymen.

He saw the beginning of a new relationship. His leadership would soon be tested. Nevertheless, his leadership now involved the greater population of India, a people living in terrible poverty. Gandhi started this by living what he had preached.

Leadership is building up a character, a personality, and changing it to something to mould an organization or a group of people. Leadership leads to change, but leadership succumbs to change. And change affects all of us – our thoughts, feelings, activities, and experience. Leadership and change go together because a leader has to change all the time.

Change is an internal dynamic in a person; meaning the attitude – our attitudes, our outlook in life, our motivations and objectives for the organization – should change, and we become good leaders. But first we have to be transformed into good followers who want change. The ‘want’ is emphasized here because if we do not have the longing for change, it will not be effective. It has to be a desire and a goal.

When Gandhi was consulted by a group of young leaders most of all were lawyers, he asked them the question: Do we want change? Gandhi asked this because the young did not know what they wanted of Gandhi as a leader and where they were going.

Scene 12 – Gandhi and the political leaders of India address the African National Congress – 52:00 – 57:21

Gandhi had come home from South Africa. The political climate, the sentiment of the people, and the overall prevailing situation provided for an environment where a leader and followers could understand each other and fight for a common cause. The political leaders spoke, and they received a resounding applause. But when Gandhi started to speak, they knew he was talking sense.

The environment was now ripe for all to collaborate and speak their minds against the injustice and oppressive government of the British Empire. Anyone could lead. There were the political leaders who wanted to fight, the different sectors who were looking for a trusted and courageous leader.

Some thought they needed some who could fight with arms. When Gandhi talked about fighting the British with the use of non-violence and humility, they were pessimistic. But Gandhi’s effectiveness of a leader proved them that humility was effective in fighting a formidable force.

Scene 13 – Gandhi’s weapon – humility and fasting (daytime) 1:44:30 – 1:50

When the British finally gave India the much-awaited independence, the Muslim and Hindu factions could not be stopped from fighting each other. This led to the separation of the Muslim-dominated Pakistan and India. Gandhi fasted again for days that nearly took his life.

His followers and those who cared for him did everything to convince him that the fighting had stopped. Leaders of the different fighting groups went to him to convince him that they would not fight anymore. Gandhi and the new leaders of India were about to begin a free India when the bullet’s assassin ended all that he had started.

Gandhi’s style of leadership is remarkable – peaceful, non-violent, non-cooperation. His defiance to the British authorities was to respond to violence with simple disobedience. No matter how many times he was beaten, stricken by wooden stick, humiliated, and imprisoned, his reaction was not to fight violence with violence.

Gandhi’s example – his life, his belief, including his ways and practices – allowed him to have moral authority over his countrymen. It was unique and immeasurable, like that of Jesus and other great men of the past who have led their people to freedom. It may not be original nor is it difficult to practice. Gandhi was charismatic; he had the charisma to lead people. He knew the way, and he knew how to lead them to that way.

He told a gathering of Asian workers not to violently resist discriminating laws, but not to obey them as well. Holman quotes Philip Yancey who says, “Today, Gandhi sits like a superego on the shoulder of the Western church asking all of us … why we don’t practise what we preach.” (Holman, 2003, p. 21)

Scene 14 – Protest walk to the sea – 2:00:30 – 2:05:20

Gandhi leads the protest walk up to the sea where he would make his salt. The protest march arrived at the sea at the anniversary of the massacre of Indian civilians. On this walk, the people were waving and cooperating at the side of the road, women were weaving the traditional Indian cloth as a symbol of their support to the cause of Gandhi.

Majority of the people, Muslims and Hindus, including the different sectors of society, politicians, businessmen, and ordinary folks were supporting and collaborating to the cause that Gandhi was fighting for – independence of India. This made the leadership of Gandhi very effective.

Gandhi had a high degree of emotional intelligence. Daniel Goleman’s (Dubrin, 2009, p. 44) analysis suggests that emotional intelligence played greater role than cognitive intelligence in creating an effective leader. One of the important components of emotional intelligence is social awareness. Gandhi realized the plight of his millions of countrymen who were in dire poverty and had succumbed to injustice and oppression.

Gardner (1999) said that leaders and creators seek to influence the thoughts of others; Gandhi had the power of persuasion. A leader or a creator has a story to tell; he creates his own story. A leader speaks directly to the people, and his speech has to be as simple or simplistic as possible. (Gardner, 1999, p. 131)

Gardner (1999, p. 126) says that traditionally, leaders are those who influence people to change their thoughts, feelings and/or behaviors. Many of those leaders could bring about changes coercively, as in the case of a despot in a dictatorial regime. But in this situation, the effectiveness of the leadership is there when the intimidating force is still present, but when the coercion has been removed, the leadership’s effectiveness wanes.

Leadership is at the forefront of all human activities, and it is a role that should not just be taken lightly (Thompson and Martinuzzi, 2008, p. 6). Gandhi is one of those who succeeded in making changes without coercion. He introduced humility and submitted to the cruelties of the British by disobeying their laws. In the first scenes of the film, the leadership of Gandhi was portrayed as one with persuasion.

Gandhi also had the gift of language; he wrote skillfully and told effective stories. He awakened the people through his writings. According to Gardner (1999, p. 128), these are some of the first “intelligences” of a leader. Self-confidence is a trait that Gandhi showed, making him to qualify for a good leader. He not only showed this to the authorities, he convinced his countrymen that he could be their leader.

“Leadership is a responsibility that must be practiced fulltime” (Weiss, 2000, p. 17). While it is true that it must be practiced full time, it has to be practiced with humility.

Gandhi knew his responsibility as a leader and as a father to a small village. This small village would grow into the bigger India which was in the verge of a revolution. People always look at the kind of leader they want to emulate or take as a role model. Others follow leaders whom they idolize. (Willis, 1996, p. 6)

Characteristic traits of Gandhi were also charismatic and transformational. Charismatic leaders have “strong belief in their ideas and a high level of self-confidence” ((Black and Porter, 2000). Transformational leadership can transform people into the kind of followers an organization must have (Bass and Rigio, 2006, p. 16).

Transformational leadership motivates members to make large changes. Bass (1990) defines transformation leadership to include “charisma, inspiration, individualized consideration and intellectual stimulation’ (Friedman, p. 9). But Sashkin (1988) also includes vision in this kind of leadership.

Trice and Beyer (1991) argue that charismatic leaders are founders of an organization while transformational are members who want to effect change. Burns (2003, p. 24) attributes change to transactional leadership, but transformational is a different concept at all.

The political climate, the tense atmosphere, and the people in need of a leader made Gandhi effective. Additionally, the external and internal environment coupled with the characteristic traits of Gandhi made his leadership very effective. Gandhi was emphatic and stressful in his words. He was a gifted writer. He was a lawyer; he knew what he was talking about.

His style and behavior motivated the people to follow him; the British too felt the Indians were becoming stronger. The British rulers respected Gandhi and looked up to his ways. They knew he was not an ordinary leader. And they were beginning to feel Gandhi and the people of India were united for one cause. This made the leadership effective. India gained British independence because of that leadership.

Bass, B. and Riggio, R., 2006. Transformational leadership (second edition). Mahwah, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.

Black, J. S. and Porter, L., 2000. Management: meeting new challenges . Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Burns, J., 2003. Transforming leadership: a new pursuit of happiness. New York: Grove Press.

Dubrin, A., 2009. Leadership. United States of America: Cengage Learning.

Fisher, W., 1942. Gandhi at home. In: Life , Aug 17, 1942. Vol. 13, No. 7 ISSN 00-24-3019. Published by Time Inc.

Friedman, H., Langbert, M., and Giladi, K., 2000. Transformational leadership. National Public Accountant [e-journal]. Available through: City University London .

Gardner, H. and Laskin, E., 1995. Leading minds: an anatomy of leadership . New York: Perseus Books. Group.

Holman, B., 2003. Icon of the month. In: Third Way , Summer 2003, Vol. 26, No. 6, p. 21. UK: Third Way Trust Ltd.

Thompson, G. and Martinuzzi, B., 2008. The power to lead. Supervision [e-journal], Available through: City University London .

Mannarelli, T., 2006. Accounting for leadership: charismatic, transformational leadership through reflection and self-awareness. Accountancy Ireland , December 2006 Vol. 38 No. 6, [e-journal], Available through: City University London .

Sashkin, M., 1988. The visionary leader. In J.A. Conger and R.N. Canungo, Charismatic leadership: the elusive factor in organizational effectiveness. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Trice, H. and Beyer, J., 1991. Cultural leadership in organizations. Organization Science , 1 (May), 149-169. Available through: City University London .

Weiss, W., 2000 . Leadership . [e-journal], Available through: City University London

Willis, E., 1996. The Sociological Quest: An Introduction to the Study of Social Life. New Jersey: Rutgers University Press.

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IvyPanda. (2018, December 27). Critical Analysis of the Movie Gandhi. https://ivypanda.com/essays/critical-analysis-of-the-movie-gandhi/

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“Gandhi” by Richard Attenborough

Introduction, reflections, works cited.

Gandhi , produced and directed by Richard Attenborough, is a 1982 biographical movie that traces the life of a prominent political activist Mohandas (later Mahatma) Gandhi, who led the campaign for India’s independence against the British colonial rule. The plot focuses on the key events that arguably led Gandhi to begin resistance and caused his movement for India’s independence to gain wide recognition. The film provides an accurate portrayal of the historical events surrounding Mahatma Gandhi’s life and his philosophy of peaceful resistance. Mohandas Gandhi played a prominent role in establishing the independence of India and its nationhood by becoming the face of the movement and uniting its citizens.

The film begins with a brief statement, “No man’s life can be encompassed in one telling” ( Gandhi 1:10-1:29). The director likely includes this declaration to acknowledge that the life of Gandhi had many facets, being influenced by multiple events and people beyond those portrayed in the film. This statement also implies that it is worth getting deeply acquainted with Gandhi’s activism, urging the viewer to take proactive steps.

The director quickly grabs the viewer’s attention by showing the assassination and funeral of Gandhi. During his funeral in 1948, a reporter introduces Gandhi as “a private man without wealth, without property, without official title or office” and “not a commander of armies nor a ruler of vast lands [but a man] who led his country to freedom” (4:49-5:21). Following the opening scene, the director transfers the viewer to the summer of 1893, when young Gandhi is forcefully removed from a train in South Africa after refusing to leave the first-class compartment for being a ‘colored person.’ This altercation sparks Gandhi’s discontent with the status quo in South Africa, so he decides to begin a nonviolent protest, arguing that all British subjects should have the same rights, no matter their race. Though followed by violent encounters with law enforcement, the government complies with what the protesters were demanding. They grant some rights to Indians in South Africa.

Set in 1915, the next part of the film is concerned with Gandhi’s return to India. After achieving his goal of entitling Indians to more rights in South Africa, he is perceived as an Indian national hero. He is encouraged to “raise India from servitude and apathy,” i.e., support the effort for India’s independence (47:35-47:45). Gandhi first embarks on a journey to get to know his country. He then agrees to support the effort for India’s home rule. The campaign sees resistance from the colonial rulers, including numerous imprisonments of Gandhi, violence, and, most notably, the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. All of the events of the campaign bring widespread attention to the cause and engage more and more people. Marches begin to result in bloodshed, so Gandhi goes on a fasting strike to appeal to the protesters to stop the violence.

Gandhi then embarks on the Salt March to show tax resistance to the British salt monopoly. Having walked 241 miles over the span of 24 days, he gains salt from the ocean via evaporation. 1 This symbolic act sparks mass civil disobedience, subsequently growing into a nationwide nonviolent noncooperation resistance against the British. Gandhi is then invited to a conference in London to discuss Indian independence, but it yields no fruitful results. During the Second World War, Gandhi speaks against violence and is imprisoned for his opposition. Following the war, India finally gains its independence.

The independence comes with its challenge because of the differences between India’s Muslim and the Hindu population. The country is then divided into India and a new country for the Muslim majority, Pakistan. The tension between the Hindus and the Muslims of India escalates, resulting in nationwide bloodshed. Gandhi goes on a fasting strike, and the fighting eventually subsides. His efforts to unite both nations ultimately cause him to get assassinated by a dissident Nathuram Godse. Gandhi’s ashes are spread through the river Ganga. The film concludes with a voiceover statement from Gandhi, in which he professes what he believes in: truth and love.

Mahatma Gandhi was a remarkable individual, politician, and activist. He had a profound influence on achieving the independence of India and establishing its nationhood. The events portrayed in the film show that Gandhi’s philosophy was fundamental in fueling anticolonial, pro-independence sentiments. Through seemingly unsophisticated acts, he inspired millions of others to fight for basic human rights, such as dignity and freedom. For example, the Salt March showed the scope of implications of a seemingly symbolic. In addition to being a practical appeal towards the general anti-colonial belief, the campaign also shed light on other issues, such as heavily taxing a substance essential for life. 2 The Indian public well accepted the idea.

In my opinion, what made Mahatma Gandhi so influential is his appeal to qualities fundamental to human nature. As mentioned in the film, he “made humility and simple truth more powerful than empires” (5:40-5:44). His ideas were novel at his time of warfare, practically being the sole means of international conflict resolution. Instead of engaging in a mutually degrading traditional warfare, he advocated for personal liberation by respecting oneself enough to stand the moral high ground. Gandhi acknowledged that such an approach was limited, inflicting pain and death on those who exercise it. However, he also pointed out that no cause is worth violence as ultimately it achieves nothing but destruction.

The impact of Gandhi’s nonviolent strategy was also profoundly influential beyond his direct participation in abolishing colonial rule in India. He advocated on behalf of the harijans, or the untouchables, against the rigid caste system in India. 3 He argued that for the British to see Indians as their peers, the inequality within the Indian society should be eliminated. Following the division of India into India and Pakistan, Gandhi advocated against mutually disruptive strife by going on a hunger strike. He also recognized the horrible impact of poverty, saying that “poverty is the worst form of violence.” Overall, he contributed not only to the establishment of India’s independence but also to the improvement of its society from within the country.

The 1982 film Gandhi is a powerful cinematic piece that provides an account of the activism and life of Mahatma Gandhi. The events discussed in the movie show that his work helped to assert unity and nationhood against the alien regime. Mahatma Gandhi was an exceptional individual whose work has profoundly affected his country and the world in general. His philosophy and worldview were accurately presented in the film, helping share an inspirational and extraordinary story of an individual who saved lives by advocating for peace. The Indian society finally became liberated and, thanks to Gandhi’s efforts, become more conscious of its national identity.

Gandhi . Directed by Richard Attenborough, performances by Ben Kingsley, Edward Fox, John Gielgud, and Candice Bergen, Columbia Pictures, 1982.

King, Mary. Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr: The Power of Nonviolent Action. UNESCO Publishing, 1999.

• Mary King, Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr: The Power of Nonviolent Action (UNESCO Publishing, 1999), 63.
• Mary King, Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr: The Power of Nonviolent Action (UNESCO Publishing, 1999), 62.
• Mary King, Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr: The Power of Nonviolent Action (UNESCO Publishing, 1999), 77.

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Common sense media reviewers.

Brilliant biopic engages, educates, and inspires.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

India, a country of millions, managed to overthrow

By teaching nonviolent disobedience, Mohandas Gand

The film chronicles a period of conflict in South

A white man calls Gandhi a "Kaffir," whi

Adults drink alcohol in seeming moderation. Cigare

Parents need to know that Gandhi begins with Gandhi's assassination and shows brutal beatings and a violent depiction of a shooting massacre. That said, this movie provides a brilliant way to learn about history and about the spiritual principles of nonviolence, tolerance, and self-sacrifice. It's…

Positive Messages

India, a country of millions, managed to overthrow foreign rule through an unprecedented policy governed by nonviolent protest of unfair laws and domination.

Positive Role Models

By teaching nonviolent disobedience, Mohandas Gandhi led a continent to self-rule. When the frustrated Indian citizenry lapsed into violence, Gandhi fasted until near death to persuade his fellow Indians that violence merely begat more violence. If they attained their freedom by violence, he told them, he wanted no part of it. He demonstrates integrity, humility, perseverance, and courage.

Violence & Scariness

The film chronicles a period of conflict in South African and Indian history, between whites and darker-skinned people, British and Indians, and Hindus and Muslims. Gandhi is thrown off a train in South Africa because his skin is dark. He and other protesters are beaten by white authorities in South Africa and later by British soldiers and affiliated police in India. British soldiers are shown carrying out a graphic massacre, gunning down 1,500 unarmed, peacefully gathered Indian protesters, including women and children. A large, angry mob of Indians attacks government police officers, setting their station on fire and killing some when they come running out of the burning building. Hindus and Muslims beat each other in riots.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

A white man calls Gandhi a "Kaffir," which is an Afrikaans ethnic slur; although once a neutral description of a black person, by the 20th century it was commonly used in South Africa as a denigrating and offensive racial term.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Adults drink alcohol in seeming moderation. Cigarette smoking is depicted.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Gandhi begins with Gandhi's assassination and shows brutal beatings and a violent depiction of a shooting massacre. That said, this movie provides a brilliant way to learn about history and about the spiritual principles of nonviolence, tolerance, and self-sacrifice. It's advisable to break the movie over two nights (there is an intermission). To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

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• Parents say (7)
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Based on 7 parent reviews

Helps build empathy and historical context

What's the story.

Director Richard Attenborough 's extensive biopic GHANDI begins as the influential Indian spiritual and political leader ( Ben Kingsley ) takes a stand against the Pass Laws in South Africa and implements his methods of nonviolent protest for the first time. The film spans Gandhi's adult life, showing how his spiritual principles of equality, tolerance, and nonviolence inspired India to push for independence from British rule. The movie pulls no punches in showing the violence that came out of the partition of India into India and Pakistan.

Is It Any Good?

Weighing in at more than three hours, this amazing biopic is a must-see for families with an interest in history or civil rights. Ben Kingsley is brilliant as Gandhi, and the cast includes such luminaries as Sir John Gielgud, Candice Bergen , Martin Sheen , Roshan Seth, Trevor Howard , and Edward Fox.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about what motivated Gandhi and why people followed him. How was he a different kind of leader?

What parallels to the American civil rights movement do you see?

What can modern leaders learn from Gandhi?

How does Gandhi demonstrate perseverance and courage ? What about integrity and humility ? Why are those important character strengths ?

Movie Details

• In theaters : December 8, 1982
• On DVD or streaming : August 27, 2001
• Cast : Ben Kingsley , Candice Bergen , Edward Fox
• Director : Richard Attenborough
• Inclusion Information : Indian/South Asian actors, Female actors
• Studio : Columbia Tristar
• Genre : Drama
• Topics : History
• Character Strengths : Courage , Humility , Integrity , Perseverance
• Run time : 190 minutes
• MPAA rating : PG
• MPAA explanation : some violence
• Last updated : November 13, 2023

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Gandhi Film Summary & Analysis

Fighting for Justice

Injustice controls much of the world. Gandhi is a man who can see the injustice for what it is and demands that the leaders make changes in the laws. He refuses to take no for an answer as he fights for justice for all people.

Gandhi also uses others to help the fight for justice. He realizes that there is power in the masses. When many people band together to fight for a cause as a community, then true change can occur. Although all of Gandhi's goals are not achieved, he does make a dramatic difference in his world.

Desire for Peace

Gandhi desires true peace over everything else. Although he realizes that true peace can only come through some strife, he does his best to bring peace to his country and the world.

Gandhi also uses peaceful protests to make a difference. Rather than starting...

(read more)

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Gandhi, Movie Review Example

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Mohandas K. Gandhi is by no means one of the most important individuals in the history of the world particularly focused on the development of idealisms regarding the simplicity of living as it follows the basic principles of life. In the story presented by Richard Attenborough regarding Gandhi in 1982, Gandhi, his life and the legacies he left to the world became realistic even in the midst of the modern society that already recognizes new conditions of living and thinking. In this movie, it was shown why and how Gandhi, a British-trained lawyer, decides to forsake the material possessions that the world offers. Relatively, it could be realized how it was indicated that the will to be free was a basic necessity that humans ought to experience. The full realization of rightful freedom allows one to become the best that he is supposed to be as a person, contributing the best possible influences to the world.

Through adapting the principles of adaptive resistance, Gandhi campaigns for freedom apart from what the world knows as the effective process. Instead of promoting bloodshed, he promoted diplomacy and rightful talks that could provide the best source of social competence instead of conflict. As an enlightened individual, Gandhi represented a new sense of understanding modern living. Relatively, this defined the kind of sacrifices he made so as to make sure that the living he takes would be that of the simplistic way, away from the desires of the world which could take him from the ideas of being enlightened. Being a movie of an important icon, living through a principle that the world shuns has insisted on Gandhi’s capability to move against the tide and prove that another way of living is better than the kind of life that the world knows today.

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Gandhi Film Critique Essay Sample

Film Critique Essay Introduction

In the epic drama Gandhi directed by Richard Attenborough, the spiritual and religious leader is represented as a man of nonviolence, who seeks to achieve justice and equality for all people. His patience, bravery, and perseverance enabled him to expel the British from the subcontinent. Gandhi also fought for India’s independence and own recognition for many years. The motion picture dedicated to his life and struggle teaches people to use non-violent measures to be heard and reach necessary changes. Gandhi’s campaigns were of an unprecedented scale as the spiritual leader successfully coordinated Indians’ acts across the country.

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However, force and violence were used against the protesters leading to Gandhi’s imprisonment. Despite these setbacks, the struggle continued due to significant attention and intense public pressure. The current paper seeks to analyze the way the drama Gandhi represents the spiritual leader and eminent spokesperson of the twentieth century struggling against the institutionalized violation of civil rights.

The Main Themes of Movie Gandhi in 1982

Attenborough produced the movie Gandhi in 1982. The life and experience of the Indian political activist are depicted chronologically and realistically, thus enabling the audience to deeply examine campaigns, non-violent protests, and significant events of that time. Gandhi was inspired to act radically for the country’s good. He sought to eradicate racial oppression and ensure equality for all people regardless of their age, gender, and race. The movie highlights Gandhi’s success in South Africa and his return to India as a national hero.

Despite challenges and pressure exerted by the British authority, he attempted to change people’s lives and establish an equal society. In the movie Gandhi, the escalation of violence and murder of peaceful protestors impress the audience. The struggle for recognition and justice can be compared to the fight between such conflicting nations as the Muslims and Hindus. The most intense scene in the picture is the merciless shooting of Indian women and children by the Chinese and East Asian mercenary soldiers.

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One of the main themes raised in the movie is the representation of characters as fanatics. Most of the scenes are intense because the director depicts the reality of people’s lives, everyday experiences, work, and socialization. Attenborough realistically portrays the tumultuous time of Indian history characterized by religious fervor, protests, and devotion to Gandhi. Many citizens considered him a hero and savior. The country was similar to the battlefield. Therefore, people are represented not as individuals leading ordinary lives but constant reactionaries, who live under constant pressure. In his epic drama, Attenborough depicts the British as hopeless, cruel, and oppressive towards the Indians.

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Another theme is the realistic depiction of human dignity, self-determination, and non-violent campaigns. Despite Gandhi’s unimpeachable legacy, he could not resolve the issue of religious intolerance in a non-violent manner. The story has significantly affected me as it teaches through the efforts and actions of Mandela, Gandhi, King, and other civil rights activists to be courageous, strong, and compassionate while facing injustice and prejudice. In most cases, Indians’ lives were dark and anxious (Huggan 661). Gandhi gave ordinary people hope for necessary social changes, a better life, and a brighter future. As for me, the director’s work and the main character’s performance are inspiring illustrations of constant struggle.

Gandhi and Hinduism

Gandhi’s religious beliefs are associated with Hinduism. This religion focuses on exercising conscience, stretching the mind, acknowledging souls, and honoring the great Indian visionary. In ancient times, religion was closely connected to the individual experience. However, from the modern sociological perspective, this aspect is removed from society. Many sociologists regard religion as a social phenomenon. Gandhi, as depicted in the epic drama, liked to compare religions and spiritual ideas. The visionary did not relate religion to the individual experience; he found God within the creation (Goshen-Gottstein 103). In the Indian religion, Gandhi promoted Dharma embracing humanity. He repeatedly referred to God to find the truth.

In addition to the humanization of religion, the visionary also sought to moralize it. Gandhi was interested not only in Hinduism but also in Christianity and Islam, which enabled him to combine various religious faiths. He would never support the religious doctrine that conflicted with moral values. Morality and religion, as well as righteousness and truth, are interconnected. Morality is the core of all great world religions. Owing to this aspect, most of Gandhi’s ideas have acquired a universalistic outlook.

One of the themes that have been omitted is the depiction of survived sectarian faiths, theological schools, and various religious creeds in Ancient India. However, the motion picture depicts individuals belonging to different religions and their attitude to Mahatma Gandhi. They sought to get his blessing and valuable advice on various matters. The visionary devoted his life to the promotion of Muslim and Hindu unity.

Film Critique Essay Summary

I have learned that willingness to recognize the truth, broad-mindedness, sympathy, and tolerance are crucial to understanding the specifics of other faiths. If a person possesses these qualities, he/she can appreciate the culture and lifestyle of other people. The visionaries and prophets of different religions have promoted the consciousness of unity emphasizing the deep sense of fraternity. Gandhi believed that unity and brotherhood could be achieved only through the comparison of different religions. Mahatma Gandhi’s love for Hinduism was based on the adherence to lofty ideals preached by Hindus. Tolerance and liberalism are the core of Hinduism. Gandhi also promoted the spiritual and ethical outlook in his speeches, campaigns, and non-violent demonstrations.

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Gandhi (1982)

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Gandhi is motivated by religious means; he believes that everyone is equal in God's eyes. He gets involved in several movements for equality, and he stresses non-violence very strongly. The Indians are very mad because British rule continues to limit their rights. They are supposed to all get fingerprinted, and their marriage laws are invalid...

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Gandhi Essay Gandhi Gandhi: A Biography Mahatma Gandhi Mahtama Gandhi Mohandas Gandhi A Summary of “My trip to Land of Gandhi” Oh Gandhi Equality: Equal Treatment or Equal Opportunity? Gandhi Movie Summary Gandhi Y La Revolucion The Effectiveness Of Gandhi constrast and comparison of Gandhi, Malcolm X, and martin luther king on the topic of violence American Religious Movements Gandhi on Poverty

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