Intolerance: Love’s Struggle Throughout the Ages (1916) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Intolerance: Love’s Struggle Throughout the Ages (1916), directed by D.W. Griffith, is a landmark in the history of cinema. This silent film is renowned for its ambitious storytelling, groundbreaking techniques, and its exploration of historical and contemporary themes of intolerance and injustice.
Plot Summary
Intolerance is structured as a series of interwoven stories, each set in a different historical period but connected by the central theme of intolerance:
- The Fall of Babylon: Set in ancient Babylon, this segment portrays the conflict between the Babylonians and the Persians, depicting the dramatic consequences of intolerance and war. The story follows the struggle of a Babylonian princess and a Persian prince, whose love is tested by the political turmoil of their time.
- The Life of Christ: This segment depicts the life of Jesus Christ, focusing on his message of love and forgiveness. The story highlights the religious intolerance and persecution faced by Christ and his followers.
- The Judean Rebellion: Set in the time of the Roman Empire, this segment illustrates the conflicts between Jewish rebels and the Roman authorities. It explores themes of oppression and the fight for freedom.
- Modern America: The contemporary story takes place in early 20th-century America and follows the struggles of a working-class family dealing with issues of social injustice and moral intolerance. The segment focuses on a young woman who is unjustly accused of a crime, leading to a dramatic climax.
Critical Reception
Intolerance is widely recognized for its innovative approach to filmmaking and its significant impact on the development of cinema. Here’s a summary of the critical reception:
Strengths:
- Innovative Techniques: The film is celebrated for its pioneering use of montage editing, large-scale sets, and elaborate costumes. Griffith’s use of cross-cutting to connect the different stories was groundbreaking and influential in the evolution of narrative cinema.
- Visual Grandeur: The film’s impressive set designs, historical accuracy, and scale are notable achievements. The recreation of ancient Babylon and the depiction of historical events showcase Griffith’s ambition and attention to detail.
- Thematic Depth: The film’s exploration of intolerance and social issues remains relevant and thought-provoking. Its thematic ambition and attempt to address various forms of injustice add depth to the narrative.
Weaknesses:
- Length and Pacing: At over three hours long, the film’s length and pacing may be challenging for some modern viewers. The complexity of the narrative and the silent film format can also be demanding.
- Controversial Aspects: Some aspects of the film, such as its portrayal of religious and racial themes, have been criticized for their historical and cultural insensitivity. These elements reflect the time in which the film was made and may be problematic for contemporary audiences.
Overall, Intolerance is praised for its technical achievements and its ambitious attempt to tackle complex themes. It is considered a significant work in the history of cinema and a testament to Griffith’s vision and innovation.
Themes and Analysis
Intolerance explores several significant themes:
- Intolerance and Injustice: The central theme of the film is intolerance and its impact across different historical periods. Each segment of the film illustrates various forms of intolerance, from religious persecution to social injustice.
- Historical and Social Critique: The film offers a critique of historical events and social conditions, highlighting the cyclical nature of intolerance and oppression throughout history.
- Love and Sacrifice: The film juxtaposes themes of love and sacrifice against the backdrop of intolerance. The characters’ struggles and personal sacrifices are depicted as responses to the broader societal issues they face.
- Human Progress and Regression: Intolerance reflects on the progress of human society and the persistent nature of intolerance despite advancements in civilization.
Where to Watch Intolerance Online
If you’re interested in watching Intolerance: Love’s Struggle Throughout the Ages (1916), here are some options:
1. Streaming Services
- YouTube: The film is available for free on YouTube, often in restored or high-quality versions. Look for official or reputable uploads to ensure the best viewing experience.
- Archive.org: The film is available on Archive.org, which hosts a variety of classic films. You can stream or download it for free.
- Classics Channels on Streaming Services: Some streaming platforms that focus on classic cinema might offer Intolerance. Check platforms like Criterion Channel or other classic film services.
2. Rental/Purchase Services
- Amazon Prime Video: You might find Intolerance available for purchase or rental on Amazon Prime Video. Check the platform for current availability.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Google Play may offer Intolerance for rental or purchase. Check for current pricing and availability.
- Apple iTunes: The film might be available for rental or purchase on Apple iTunes. Look for it in the classic film section.
Conclusion
Intolerance: Love’s Struggle Throughout the Ages (1916) is a landmark film in the history of cinema, known for its innovative techniques and ambitious storytelling. Directed by D.W. Griffith, the film explores themes of intolerance and injustice across different historical periods and remains a significant work in the study of early cinema.
With its impressive scale and thematic depth, Intolerance offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of film as an art form. Available on various platforms, the film provides an opportunity to experience a classic work that has had a lasting impact on the medium.
