G is for peaceful, prison, friendship

Included in many film industry top ten lists, Gandhi truly is a great film about one of history's most important figures. Ben Kingsley is superb as the Indian lawyer who takes it upon himself to rid his country of British colonialism. In fact, Dustin Hoffman considered trying for the roll, but starred in Tootsie instead. He lost the Best Actor Oscar to Kingsley. This film, directed by Richard Attenborough nearly 30 years ago, holds such resonance today with all the conflict that is occurring in the region. In a day and age where hatred and violence seem so prevalent everywhere in the world, it would behoove society to take another look at how a small man with nothing but love and peace in his heart can lead a nation toward freedom through nonviolence. 

I came upon this story first as a serial novel by Stephen King. Although he is known best as a horror writer, King has also written some very good 'normal' stories and this is a perfect example. Set in Louisiana in the mid-1930s, the film tells the story of John Coffey, a convicted murderer with a special gift. Directed by Frank Darabont and starring Tom Hanks, Michael Clark Duncan, and Michael Jeter, this is the closest adaption of a King novel that exists. I can vividly remember watching the movie and crying because I knew what was about to happen. Basically, I cried through the whole movie. So if you are not in the mood to have your heart strings tugged, steer away from this movie. But I would beg you not to do so for long. This is a wonderful film and I would also recommend you read the novel. 

 

I would like to say that this last film is a bright, sunny, happy movie, but I would be lying. Gallipoli is set in several bright, sunny places like the Australian outback, Egypt, and the west coast Turkish peninsula from which the title comes. It tells the story of two runners whose friendship takes them on a journey that ends half way around the world in a horrific battle at Gallipoli. It features a young Mel Gibson as Frank Dunne, a womanizing layabout who follows his friend, Archy Hamilton, to war because he doesn't have anything else in his life. Little does he know it will change his life forever. I love this film. It's such a wonderful tale of the endurance of friendship and it is directed by one of my favorite directors, Peter Weir. Weir doesn't make films very often, but when he does, they are absolute magic. With a resume that includes such films as The Year of Living Dangerously, Witness, Dead Poet's Society, Fearless, The Truman Show, and Master and Commander, Weir's name alone will make me go see a film. And this one is masterful.

'G' was a hard letter to do. I'd like to say that's why there was such a long gap between postings, but that would be a lie. I could only find a few films to write about, but they were all very good. Another great film would have to be Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe as a brave general who loses everything and is forced to become a fighter in the Roman arena. He then takes the opportunity to seek both revenge and peace of mind. This achievement is only possible in 'Hollywoodland'. This is one of those films that has a musical score that sweeps me away. And Mr. Crowe in a skirt is easy on the eyes, of course.

My last entry is the only comedy for this letter, Galaxy Quest. This quirky, fun film stars Tim Allen as a has-been tv star who finds himself and his former cast mates in a world that mirrors the show that has haunted him for years. Lots of laughs can be had by all. So watch the heavy ones and save this one for last. Even Gandhi would agree, laughter is a much needed ingredient in life.