A review by a Southern-belle...

Rating: 10/10 (4 January 2009)

Being from the south, I have always been fascinated with Southern history and heritage. While I'm ashamed of the slavery issue, we cant deny its existence. I grew up near several old southern plantations. I was even an "Azalea Belle" in a local festival in my teen years - complete with hoop skirt and spiral curls in my hair.
There is a certain nostalgia and charm to the old south that no doubt has captured the imagination of many that find this film so unforgettable. The old oaks trees covered in moss, the huge plantation houses with giant columns,etc.
One of my favorite aspects of the film is just to focus on the beautiful Technicolor cinematography that truly was an astounding achievement for 1939. I would have loved to see the faces of the first audiences to experience this marvel firsthand. I also love to study the amazingly beautiful and lavish sets. The furniture and costumes enthrall me every time I watch.
And who can surpass Vivien Leigh at the height of her beauty and charm. Her facial expressions and use of her eyes are entrancing. You can't help but fall under her spell, like all the poor boys who were unfortunate enough to cross paths with her.
And I don't know that I have ever encountered a more sympathetic character than Melanie, portrayed so unforgettably by Olivia de Havilland. Has there ever been a longer suffering, unselfish person ever portrayed in cinema? Clark Gable is at his usual cad-like best. Not too much of a stretch for him to portray, but you can't imagine anyone else in the role. Truly, Scarlett met her match in Rhett Butler.
My only slight criticism would be for Asley Wilkes character, played by Howard. I always found it hard to see what Scarlett saw in him - other than he was the one man she couldn't have. I never considered him much of a prize. He was a little annoying and cowardly to me. Poor excuse for a man if you ask me.
Margaret Mitchell's novel truly came to life to millions of fans of her book. I'm not sure there has even been, before or since, a better adaptation from novel to film. And of course there was the legendary search for the perfect Scarlett - who could have asked for better PR going into a film.
The story has so many memorable aspects to it. There are the suspense filled scenes - like when all the women are gathered together, while the "menfolk" are cleaning out Shantytown of the undesirables who attacked Scarlett. There are the heartbreaking scenes that will have you in tears - like Bonnie Blue's event ( I wont give it away), Mr. O'Hara's accident or Melanie's final fate. You will be moved to outrage at some of Scarlett's antics, while at the same time rooting for her as well. So the whole movie quietly wages an inner conflict as you want Scarlett to get what she deserves, but yet has you feeling sorry for her at the same time.
The Civil War ultimately was won by survivors - regardless what side of the Mason-Dixon line you were born. And I think that is what Scarlett represents to the audience. She is a Survivor with a capital S - even if we don't agree with her methods!