If I had to choose one movie among the many I have watched in my entire life, without hesitation I would pick “Gandhi”, written by John Briley and produced and directed by Richard Attenborough in 1982. I first watched this film in 1996, and even today its memory still stirs in me indescribable emotions. It is a biographical movie that depicts the life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the legendary leader and father of India’s independence. The reasons I admire this movie are simple yet profound: the importance of its themes, the power of its performances, and the timeless lessons it teaches.
The movie highlights the fight for justice, the pursuit of peace, and the unwavering belief in nonviolence. These themes resonate far beyond India’s history—they speak to the universal struggles of humanity. The acting was also nothing short of phenomenal. Ben Kingsley’s interpretation of Gandhi was so precise, so deeply embodied, that one could almost believe Gandhi himself was on screen. His performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor at the 55th Oscars, while the film itself won eight Academy Awards out of eleven nominations. Richard Attenborough’s direction brought a deeply human story to life on a grand historical canvas, making the movie both realistic and moving.
The greatest lesson the movie teaches us is the importance of tolerance and nonviolence. Gandhi’s philosophy transcended religion and class, uniting Indians from all walks of life. As he taught, “real religion transcends all religions.” This lesson remains essential today, in a world still plagued by sectarianism and religious intolerance. Coming from Côte d’Ivoire, a country that experienced painful religious conflicts causing thousands of deaths, Gandhi’s message of tolerance carries deep personal meaning for me.
Another lesson I learned from Gandhi is that mental strength outweighs physical strength. Gandhi was not a physically imposing man, yet he compelled the mighty British Empire to grant India independence. As someone who was never particularly strong physically, this realization gave me confidence. It reminded me to trust in my mental resilience and to draw strength from within.
Whenever I reflect on this film, I return to one powerful line: “I am a Muslim and a Hindu and a Christian and a Jew and so are all of you.” For me, this is the essence of Gandhi’s universal vision—a message the world needs now more than ever. For all these reasons, I truly appreciate the movie Gandhi and the inspiration it continues to give me in life.
