The Birth of a Nation
"The Birth of a Nation" is
a highly controversial movie that was released in 1915. Directed by D.W.
Griffith, the film depicts the American Civil War and the Reconstruction era
that followed, and is often cited as a landmark in the history of cinema due to
its innovative use of storytelling techniques such as parallel editing and
close-ups. However, the film's portrayal of African Americans as unintelligent
and violent, and its glorification of the Ku Klux Klan, has led to widespread
criticism and condemnation.
The movie is divided into two parts.
The first part deals with the Civil War, while the second part focuses on the
Reconstruction era. The film tells the story of two families, one from the
North and one from the South, and how they are affected by the war and its
aftermath. The Northern family, the Stonemans, are depicted as abolitionists
who are sympathetic to the plight of African Americans. The Southern family,
the Camerons, are shown as proud and patriotic Southerners who fight for the
Confederacy.
The film's depiction of African
Americans is highly problematic. They are portrayed as unintelligent and lazy,
and are often shown engaging in criminal behavior. The character of Gus, played
by white actor Walter Long in blackface, is particularly offensive. Gus is a
former slave who is shown lusting after a white woman, and is later lynched by
the Ku Klux Klan.
The film's portrayal of the Ku Klux
Klan as heroic is also deeply troubling. In the climactic scene of the film,
the Klan rides in to save the day and restore order to the South. The Klan is
depicted as a group of brave and honorable men who are willing to do whatever
it takes to protect their families and their way of life. This portrayal of the
Klan as heroes was highly controversial even at the time of the film's release,
and has led to much of the film's notoriety.
Despite its many flaws, "The
Birth of a Nation" is still considered an important milestone in the
history of cinema. It introduced many new techniques that would go on to become
standard in filmmaking, such as parallel editing and close-ups. The film's
impact on American culture cannot be understated, and its legacy continues to
be felt to this day. However, its depiction of African Americans as violent and
unintelligent, and its glorification of the Ku Klux Klan, cannot be ignored.
In conclusion, "The Birth of a
Nation" is a deeply problematic movie that has been the subject of much
debate and controversy. While it is undeniably an important milestone in the
history of cinema, its racist and offensive depictions of African Americans, as
well as its glorification of the Ku Klux Klan, make it a difficult film to
watch and appreciate in the modern era. It is a reminder of the power of cinema
to both entertain and influence, and of the need for critical engagement with
the media we consume.
The Birth of a Nation
Nat Turner leads a liberation movement in 1831 to in Virginia which ends in a violent retaliation in whites.
Released: 2016-09-09
Genre: Drama
Casts: Nate Parker, Armie Hammer, Aja Naomi King, Jackie Earle Haley, Penelope Ann Miller
Duration: 120 min
Country: United States of America
Production: Tiny Giant Entertainment, Bron Studios, Mandalay Pictures, Phantom Four.
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