This movie contains some pretty embarrassing racism that was sadly the product of its time, but it was also brave and ahead of its time for showing an interracial romance. Griffith was obviously trying to "atone" for Birth of a Nation (as he was when he made intolerance), but it's still a very sweet film with some great performances.
Although I never liked "Yellow face" acting (that sadly still appear in modern Hollywood), but somehow Barthelmess character Cheng Huan made me really like him, doesn't matter if he was a Caucasian portraying a "Chinaman", because right now he is a Chinaman character that I like.
Me too, it as bad as calling a black person to the "N" word... but back then it was a "common" word for people in there... but sadly derogatory terms for people will always exist. Anyways yes, I quite like Barthelmess portraying as a Chinese and this come from a Chinese person like myself! Well except he exaggerate with his "slant eye" business though...
@hanchiman yeh and the way he hobbles around is exaggerated. It is just as bad as the "N" word. All prejudice is bad in my book. Least he is portrayed better than the "black" people in birth of a nation, would hard to be portrayed worse though right?!
It is kinda interesting that the director Griffith, after making Birth of a Nation, which portrayed African Americans in a rather racist light, went on to make this movie with a romance between Lillian Gish and an Asian man (although played by Richard Barthelmess)
Asian pedophile?
ehimang 5 months ago
This movie contains some pretty embarrassing racism that was sadly the product of its time, but it was also brave and ahead of its time for showing an interracial romance. Griffith was obviously trying to "atone" for Birth of a Nation (as he was when he made intolerance), but it's still a very sweet film with some great performances.
jprt1990 7 months ago
This is so sweet! They're both outcasts of society, finding love...
Allie180 1 year ago
Although I never liked "Yellow face" acting (that sadly still appear in modern Hollywood), but somehow Barthelmess character Cheng Huan made me really like him, doesn't matter if he was a Caucasian portraying a "Chinaman", because right now he is a Chinaman character that I like.
hanchiman 1 year ago 3
@hanchiman I hate the term yellow man but he is a lovely character.
ClassicMovieClub 1 year ago
@ClassicMovieClub
Me too, it as bad as calling a black person to the "N" word... but back then it was a "common" word for people in there... but sadly derogatory terms for people will always exist. Anyways yes, I quite like Barthelmess portraying as a Chinese and this come from a Chinese person like myself! Well except he exaggerate with his "slant eye" business though...
hanchiman 1 year ago
@hanchiman yeh and the way he hobbles around is exaggerated. It is just as bad as the "N" word. All prejudice is bad in my book. Least he is portrayed better than the "black" people in birth of a nation, would hard to be portrayed worse though right?!
ClassicMovieClub 1 year ago
They were so lovely together in this film!
LilyBrokenBlossom 2 years ago 6
Comment removed
UofLCardFan08 3 years ago
They are SO cute together!!!!
OldHollywoodVideos08 3 years ago 7
It is kinda interesting that the director Griffith, after making Birth of a Nation, which portrayed African Americans in a rather racist light, went on to make this movie with a romance between Lillian Gish and an Asian man (although played by Richard Barthelmess)
Letsplay222 3 years ago 2
"Oh, lily flowers and plum blossoms!"
I laughed so hard. I'm Chinese.
behindeverything 3 years ago 4
This is such a nice movie...
OldHollywoodVideos08 3 years ago 2
Right around 2:56, when he leans close to her, and his expression a little later when she strokes his cheek....
Ivyandstone 3 years ago 13
Beautiful film, but ugh, the score is really lacking.
PC3900 3 years ago 6
"What makes you so good to me, Chinky?"
I'll admit it. I lol'd.
k4m4r1l3 4 years ago 23
@k4m4r1l3 i was like ok so u say that in exchange for his hospitality?
ClassicMovieClub 1 year ago