A prime example of cultural history

Rating: Null/10 (2 October 2002)

Birth Of A Nation. D.W. Griffiths revolutionary cinematic epic.
As expressed in other reviews, this film is quite obviously slanted in favor and glorification of the southern cause (and, a bit more disturbingly, to that of the Klan post-war).
Yet theese are things you must expect. When judging elements of the past, be they actions, speeches, or films, one must look at them in the context of their period. You may view them as right or wrong, but to fully understand> something, you have to at least ATTEMPT to see it from the viewpoint of that era, however flawed it may be.
The film is quite slow at times (I've watched it nearly twice, the first time I fell asleep during the end), and quite long. Its plot is filled with comical and slightly offensive characatures of groups, and the symbolisim is HEAVY HANDED (a perfect example, the shot of a cat and dog fighting after the outbreak of war. Although numerous other examples can be found). The writing is typical for the period as well.
I found this film interesting on a number of levels, primarily, because of my interest in the American Civil War. But also to see the cinematic firsts in the film (camera work, the massive battle scenes, etc.). And finally, to see the way the war was portrayed in the early 1900's.
From a historical standpoint, I laughed at times. The film has a tendancy to represent the war in broad strokes, also there were the requisite errors in costuming and so on (such as how the klan members appear to have plungers or..some kind of long shaft like object protruding from their heads underneath the hoods..like hateful teletubbies if you will..I STILL don't fully realize what prompted that).
From the standpoint of a (somewhat) film enthusiast, I was amazed at how some of the camera techniques were done. My personal favorite is the shot of shermans march to the sea (which must have been shot from either a hilltop or scaffold of some type, It'd be interesting to know just how that was set up). Also, the battle scenes do set the standard for following works.
To bring this long winded review to a close, if you watch this film you must do so expecting to be offended, amused, and a bit nauseated by the predictable, black and white (no pun intended, I assure you) plotline. But you should also be prepared for a fascinating look into the cultural views of the early 1900's, the interpretation of the war, and the cinematic mastery of D.W. Griffth.
I have to give this film a 9, simply because of its value as a cinematic "time capsule" of sorts.