Review of The Cheat (1915) by Clayton J — 06 Oct 2010

This film doesn't hold up particularly well. While the cinematography and lighting is quite modern in style, the plot is too dated. It's not even really the plot, but the ending comes across as contrived, overly dramatic and a touch racist.

While Hayakawa gives a wonderful performance, his sneer is fabulous, with what he's given to work with, the overall effect of the film comes across as the whites triumph over the evil Asians, which leaves a bad taste for a modern audience.