Review of Within Our Gates (1920) by Jonathan P — 08 May 2011

If you throw away the fact that this is the oldest surviving film directed by an African American than you are left with just your run of the mill silent flick. There are some good qualities but as with most silent films Within Our Gates is rather boring.

There are some cinematic jewels (the preacher and his sleeping congregation) and some intense moments (the hanging) but it just doesn't captivate the audience. But then again few silents captivate a modern cinema going audience (Nosferatu and City Lights are only a couple that come to mind).