Directed by:
D.W. GriffithCinematography:
G.W. BitzerCast:
Lillian Gish, Richard Barthelmess, Donald Crisp, Edward Peil Sr., George Beranger, George Nichols, Wilbur HigbyVOD (1)
Plots(1)
Based on "The Chink and the Child", a story by Thomas Burke, Broken Blossoms is one of D.W. Griffith's most poetic films. Richard Barthelmess plays a young Chinese aristocrat who hopes to spread the gospel of his Eastern religion to the grimy corners of London's Limehouse district. Rapidly disillusioned, Barthelmess opens a curio shop and takes to smoking opium. One evening, Lillian Gish, the waif-like daughter of drunken prizefighter Donald Crisp, collapses on Barthelmess' doorstep after enduring one more of her father's brutal beatings. Barthelmess shelters the girl, providing her with the love and kindness that she has never known. Crisp, offended that his daughter is living with a "heathen," forces the girl to return home with him. In a terrible drunken rage, Crisp beats Lillian to death. Barthelmess arrives on the scene, kills Crisp, then kneels beside Lillian's body and takes his own life. (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Reviews (1)
Let's be honest, silent films just aren't for today's audience anymore. They are too slow; their pace is dictated by the absence of sound, although the music tries hard to make up for the lack of dialogue. D. W. Griffith was a great director. He managed to tell his stories in a way that had substance, ensuring the film had meaningful content. This is also true of the film Broken Blossoms. It’s a beautiful social romance about a Chinese man (played by an American) and a poor girl in England. It has beautiful scenes and wonderful characters, but unfortunately, it's a shame that very few people appreciate this beauty today. There's nothing to be done; the times have moved on, and these pieces are simply relics. But I'm glad they are still available. Simply the work of D. W. Griffiths is worth it and is not in the golden fund just by chance. When you see the scenes of violence here, they are quite chilling, especially in the context of the story. Yes, even a silent film can evoke emotions. You just have to come closer and give it a try.
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