Mohandas Gandhi was one of the central figures who compelled the British to relinquish control of India, their colony, until 1947.

He is best known for endorsing a philosophy of nonviolent opposition to injustice, but don’t let that fool you.

As this film stunningly shows, Gandhi was one of the toughest souls to walk the Earth.

What do you think is more indicative of a true martial artist: (1) Someone who is willing to inflict pain, or (2) Someone who is willing to stand up to it?

Gandhi did both.

He inflicted pain on the British by humiliating them, by forcing them to act viciously in front of the world, but more important, by making them aware of their own brutality

He inflicted pain on his followers by insisting that they accept violence against themselves, but not retaliate.

In one memorable scene from the picture, Gandhi followers methodically march up to a heavily defended salt factory, only to be bashed in the face with batons. Their wives drag their limp bodies away as the next wave comes, and the next, after that.

Gandhi’s methods have toppled and reformed regimes around the world. Marches, hunger strikes, manipulation of the media, and other common practices are tactics that he either invented or greatly advanced.

Undoubtedly, he was a warrior, as you’ll see in this beautiful and textured Richard Attenborough film.

All of the leading actors are superb, including Ben Kingsley in the title role, for which he won the Oscar. Even the minor roles were filled with future stars. Daniel Day-Lewis is a local tough, and Johnny Depp fans take note. He can be seen marching next to Gandhi in a non-speaking and un-credited role.

A genuine classic, this movie is worth every serious martial artist’s time.