Review of The Birth of a Nation (1915) by Joey D — 17 May 2009

Despite the controversial subject matter, its contribution to cinema is absolutely undeniable. "The Birth of a Nation" is truly epic in every since of the word, and D.W. Griffith was a groundbreaking director. This film was made in an era when movies did not attempt the kinds of things contained here. Its length, its action, and its scale basically pioneered what a film was capable of. Also, few films have had such a historical impact as this one.

Sure, this movie perpetuates the ideas of white supremacy and creates blatant stereotypes (i.e.: the gratuitous use of actors in blackface), but that should not downplay its impact on the American society of its day. "The Birth of a Nation" was made in a time when the taboos that it contains were not really taboos and when much of the sentiments expressed about the events depicted in the film were still in relatively recent memory. To watch this film is to capture the essence of an era and to understand the mindset of a particular period of time.

Of course it is controversial by today's standards, but its impact on the history of film cannot be ignored. If one were to ignore the subject matter of the film, it has very strong artistic quality and production values, which for 1915, was truly revolutionary. Griffith created his place as a legend of American cinema with this film. I give this movie a top recommendation, not on the grounds that I agree with its ideology, but on the grounds that people need to see it to appreciate its sociological impact as well as its artistic merit. It is an epic masterpiece.