Review of The Birth of a Nation (1915) by Joshua B — 29 Apr 2011

Shockingly racist by today's standards, DW Griffith's 3-hour Civil War film nevertheless holds up as a masterpiece almost 100 years later. As intellectually vacuous as it is technically wondrous, The Birth of a Nation represents a benchmark in the history of film, as Griffith's unrivaled ambition allowed him to create a host of cinematic techniques -- all of which are on display here -- that would go on to influence cinematic movements the world over.

It's horrifying for its propaganda, but stunning in its artistry.