Review of The Birth of a Nation (1915) by Victor L — 24 Jan 2010

The Birth of a Nation is splendid. It is actually the first film in history that looked like a movie and influenced the following pictures, it also was the first blockbuster. The performances are terrific, specially Lilian Gish's, who was trully talented and beautiful.

The whole film is highly involving, despite its 3 hours lenght. The battle scenes are spectacular, the racism depicted in the movie was definitely hard to enjoy, but it's undeniable these were actual facts.

I also liked Griffith's point of view were both sides, White and Black people are equally bad because of the resentment they feel for each other. The reproductions made on original sets, the Ford Theatre where Lincoln was assassinated are wonderful.

This movie is a masterpiece, despite the big controversy this production has caused in its audience since that far away from us year 1915.