GANDHI (1982)

Directed by: Richard Attenborough
Written by: John Briley
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Starring: Ben Kingsley, Candice Bergen, Edward Fox
Rated: PG

About the film:
Mohandas K. Gandhi was a simple lawyer who became the leader of a nonviolent protest and successfully gained for India their independence from British rule. This biographical film traces his life and influence until the time of his death in 1948.

Movie Quote:
“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”
Gandhi (Ben Kingsley) in Gandhi (1982)

Bible Quote:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, ‘Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.’”
Matthew 5:38-39 (NIV)

Commentary:
Vengeance. So much of Hollywood’s product is based on it. We, too often, see films sending the message that an “eye for an eye” is the epitome of justice. The quote that is cited from Gandhi is far closer to the message that Jesus Christ came to teach.

There will be injustice in this world. It may be difficult to accept but it is nonetheless true. While we are not called to be the world’s doormat, neither can we change the entire world to become a righteous and God-respecting place. It is simply not going to happen. All we can do is to adopt God’s standards as our own and encourage others to do the same. Sadly, not all will respond to that exhortation.

Those that don’t will reap what they sow at the appointed time. We need not assume the position of God and try to enact His justice before its time. Turning the other cheek by not returning evil for evil is often difficult to do, but it is a sign of a mature disciple and it will have its own reward.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. If we follow the teachings of Christ (or the stated philosophical beliefs of Gandhi) how can we avoid being victimized during the course of our lives?
2. Why was Gandhi’s nonviolent protest movement successful?

Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com