Wonderful movie, a complete classic. Not quite up to the book, but wonderful none-the-less.

Rating: 10/10 (30 August 2002)

Gone With The Wind is definitely a classic film, with an amazing cast from Cammie King (Bonnie) to Clark Gable (Rhett). The acting is absolutely incredible, brought together by the amazingly talented Vivien Leigh (Scarlett). They-with perhaps the exception of Leslie Howard as Ashley-brought new life to the characters, giving more depth to them than any modern actor or actress ever could, especially in the given timeframe. The music and amazing cinematography are breathtaking, creating such classic scenes as the field of wounded soldiers, and the infamous 'frankly my dear...' scene- a ground-breaking scene in and of itself, as it was the first time an actor swore on-screen. For a movie compacting twelve years into four hours, it is incredible. However, in contrast to the book you will find that many scenes, important to understanding the characters-Scarlett in particular-were left out, in favor of building up the rather detestable character of Rhett Butler. As well as leaving out two very important players in Scarlett's life-her two eldest children, Wade Hamilton and Ella Kennedy. Scarlett's feelings are often cheapened, leaving the viewer to think she is simply a selfish bitch, instead of a spoiled child trying to survive in a world that was suddenly cold and unforgiving, where her only friends are a woman she despises, the married man she loves, and a man who cuts her down at every opportunity. The film's saving grace is in the abilities of Vivien Leigh, as she managed to give life and depth to Scarlett that I cannot imagine any other actress capturing, then or now. Perhaps if there had been more time it could have been more true to the novel, but as it is it remains a classic. This movie will forever be my favorite, and it pains me to know we will never be able to recapture the magic that was Gone With The Wind.