sad relic of racism

Rating: 3/10 (23 May 2006)

First, I want to point out that just about every nation on Earth has struggled with racism and this review is not intended to slam the USA. Second, though this film was one of the very earliest full-length films and it has absolutely amazing battle scenes and production values, you cannot admire them and turn a blind eye to the rest of the film.
I just read an idiotic review on IMDb that indicated they liked the film and it was essentially true! Huh?! I am an American History teacher and I can assure you this "true" movie is complete hogwash and a horrible testimony to our country at the time that this WAS widely regarded as truth.
Here's the problem--nearly all the black roles are played by white people in black makeup. And, when the South loses the war, these "uppidy black folk" then run amok trying to rape the white women, subvert the rule of law and spend most of the time eating watermelons and dancing to banjo music (I kid you not--this REALLY is in the film). So, according to D. W. Griffith's view of the Reconstruction Era is that the blacks took control of the legislatures and went mad with power until the honorable KKK came to the rescue!!! The most awful scene involves sweet and innocent Lillian Gish being repeatedly approached for sex by a black man. He will not take "no" for an answer and eventually she jumps to her death rather than to be defiled by a Negro! My heart cringes just writing this!
So, my overall verdict is this is a horrid film with wonderful production values. Also, and this may sound stupid I know, I recommend you DO watch this film! First, because how can you know about how far we have come as a people without knowing our past. Second, the idea that repellent images and movies should somehow be censored is repugnant--burying your head in the politically correct sand is just silly. But, for the love of God, DON'T TAKE THIS TO BE FACTUAL! If you do, I feel very sorry for you. And if you know someone who takes this for truth, set them straight.
FYI--When this movie debuted, the KKK was practically dead in America. Thanks, at least in part, the KKK soon became one of the strongest political forces in the country--all the way through the 1920s. This is sad but true.