Gandhi (1982) v Malcolm X (1992)

[zen007]

The two biographical epics. One is relatively more documentary-like, while the other is relatively more mainstream. Which one do you prefer?

[drush9999]

Think Malcolm X is the better film overall. Both are excellent examples of what they do.

[Cremildo]

Gandhi
Malcolm X

[Bugg]

Malcolm X

I never really cared for Gandhi. It felt like a montage of Gandhi's big moments, turned into a disjointed 3 hour unengaging milquetoast facsimile of a David Lean epic.

[stardragon9]

I love both equally.

[zen007]

Both are excellent films, however, if I had to pick one, it would probably be Gandhi.

I prefer the relatively more documentary style to tell the story. The film starts off with an elaborate funeral segment, setting the stage for a serious journey. Then we move on to the South Africa segment, which is probably the best in the film. The scenes where Gandhi is burning the passes despite being hit constantly are epic. Then you follow his journey in India, getting exposed to sophisticated acting by various actors and the tense atmosphere.

On the other hand, Malcolm X picks up once the prison segment begins. The first hour is important to tell how Malcolm X got to prison but it is shot in a way that it could be from any such film. Though Malcolm X is relatively more mainstream therefore also relatively more entertaining.

[DR Herbert West]

X

[Cruel Angel]

Malcolm X

[kylor]

Gandhi.