Review of The Birth of a Nation (1915) by Ben J — 04 Feb 2011
Birth of a nation. birth of cinema.
Factually inaccurate, racist, distasteful and large action set pieces. no, this wasn't directed by michael bay.
3 hours worth of american civil war truth and fiction centered around two warring families on either side of america's splintered populus. lillian gish is gorgeous, ethereal even. the same cannot be said about the maid who was clearly played by a non-black with shoe polish on. AND happened to be a man. best.
Truth be told, it's a bit of a struggle to wade through this movie, but it's technical proficiency plays second fiddle to many films gifted with the title of inventing cinema (citizen kane et al). it really did start here and it started just how hollywood meant to go on, spurious claims and historical inaccuriacies. controversy and tantrums. racism and sexism.
Bit of a slog but well worth it to see where films began to realise they did not have to be accurate to be watchable. the beginnings of a land of REAL unreal.
Get into it.
This review of The Birth of a Nation (1915) was written by Ben J on 04 Feb 2011.
The Birth of a Nation has generally received mixed reviews.
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