Racism Vs Perception

Rating: Null/10 (20 August 2005)

Let's get it out of the way right now. Griffith was a racist, no doubt about that.
That being said, this is not a racist movie. It does not "promote" racism. It's all about perception and he told the story the way he saw things. Griffith is definitely a southerner, and coming from that environment, back in those days, this is the story that he grew up hearing. He grew up amongst racists that convinced him that they had a good reason to do what they did. Yes, his views are twisted and so different then modern times, but that should not be counted as a negative for the film.
I hate to say this, but if a put aside the fact that I am not racist and watch the story from Griffiths POV, what a story!!! It set the standard for so many film. All the "taking the law in your own hands" movies, what a story.
The film is masterpiece, if you can survive the first half hour. I almost gave up in that first half hour. But I stuck and thank god. This was a great movie, the way it was told was classic.
But what a bunch of racists!!!