Fantastic, an excellent moving dramatic picture

Rating: Null/10 (13 November 2003)

There have been many mixed feelings about this picture since it was originally released, particularly because many people felt as if it was extremely prejudice towards blacks. In some ways it is, but in many ways it's not. I will NOT spoil this film for anyone who has not seen it, but before you see it or at least decide to, it is at the very least a story of our nation's civil war from the southern point of view. It's like what "All Quiet on the Western Front" was to WWI/Germany. It's not about white actors mindlessly portraying blacks like their stupid like everyone else says it is. But Griffith makes a point that I think everyone ought to think about; "give the negro forty acres and a mule". Ridiculous! They gave so much to a people who at the time were just freed from bondage and thrown into the real world with no education, and no knowledge of politics. They could've at least showed them how to use their new resources. If you look in the film, there is one man who backs down from this deal. Aside from all this, Griffith brings to the screen the groundwork for future films including TRANSITIONS; fades, wipes, crosscutting, etc. Lillian Gish, Mae Marsh, Henry B. Walthall, and the rest of the tremendous cast deliver amazing performances that will make you forget every bit of controversy that this picture has suffered since it's original release. Whenever you see it, enjoy it.