**Gandhi** is filmmaker/actor **Richard Attenborough**'s most acclaimed work, who demonstrated passion for biopics -- Winston Churchill (**Young Winston**), Steve Biko (**Cry Freedom**), Charlie Chaplin (**Chaplin**), C. S. Lewis (**Shadowlands**), Ernest Hemingway (**In Love and War**), and Archibald Belaney (**Grey Owl**). And it is easy to see why. Despite its long running time of 3 hours 11 minutes (with intermission), the film moves pretty swiftly saved for the last 30 minutes or so.

Owing much to its success is impeccable cast, led by **Ben Kingsley**. Despite his iconic and potentially type casting performance, he has managed to produce prodigious and impressive output. Ben disappears into the role and becomes Gandhi himself. He speaks every words with charisma to avoid self-importance and reciting sound bites. Ben deserves all the accolades he received for most convincing portrayal of real life figure in cinematic history. It also greatly helps that he is surrounded by impressive cast of Indian, British, and American.

The film was criticized for painting hagiographical depiction of Gandhi, and for glossing over his earlier life. More problematic is the third act when Gandhi is mostly bedridden, slowing both pace and understanding of Gandhi's struggle.

Nevertheless, the film succeeds in three goals: (1) cohesively presenting history behind India's independence, (2) timelessness -- the film is even more relevant today, and (3) deciphering Gandhi's rise and charisma.