Review of The Birth of a Nation (1915) by Dustin P — 03 May 2009

Given its content, it is highly difficult to have an objective opinion of this film (probably because the film has no objectivity of its own.) While it stands as a masterpiece of silent acting and storytelling, by todays standards it is clearly melodramatic and racist.

But, in trying to judge it in terms of its day, I decide to see it more as a critique of war, and the dangers of extremisim on either side... and to its credit, I find it less hateful than it is a honest but naive attempt at reconciliation and a desire for peace.

.. unfortunatly it ends up getting lost in its sympathies of the white south way of life.