Common Sense Media Review
By Liz Perle
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Brilliant biopic engages, educates, and inspires.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Gandhi
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a powerful yet intense portrayal of a historical figure, highlighting significant themes of non-violence, leadership, and social justice. However, many reviewers express that its mature content, including graphic violence and some objectionable language, makes it more suitable for older children rather than younger audiences, who may not fully grasp its messages.
- inspirational messages
- graphic violence
- mature content
- suited for older kids
- educational themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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 Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Columbia Tristar
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Humility , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 190 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some violence
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate