The Birth of a Nation
Performance & Direction: The Birth of a Nation Review
Last updated: February 5, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Birth of a Nation (1915) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Birth of a Nation features a noteworthy lineup led by Lillian Gish . Supported by the likes of Mae Marsh and Henry B. Walthall , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: The Birth of a Nation
Quick Plot Summary: The Birth of a Nation is a Drama, History, War film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Two families, abolitionist Northerners the Stonemans and Southern landowners the Camerons, intertwine. When Confederate colonel Ben Cameron is captured in battle, nurse Elsie Stoneman petitions for his pardon. In Reconstruction-era South Carolina, Cameron founds the Ku Klux Klan, battling Elsie's congressman father and his African-American protégé, Silas Lynch. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: The Birth of a Nation
Ending Breakdown: The Birth of a Nation concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Birth of a Nation reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Birth of a Nation Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Birth of a Nation draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, history, war film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: The Birth of a Nation adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Birth of a Nation?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: The Birth of a Nation
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $100.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $11.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Birth of a Nation Budget
The estimated production budget for The Birth of a Nation is $100.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The Birth of a Nation
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Birth of a Nation Online?
Streaming HubThe Birth of a Nation Parents Guide & Age Rating
1915 AdvisoryWondering about The Birth of a Nation age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Birth of a Nation is 195 minutes (3h 15m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.0/10, and global performance metrics, The Birth of a Nation is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1915 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Birth of a Nation worth watching?
The Birth of a Nation is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Birth of a Nation parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Birth of a Nation identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Birth of a Nation?
The total duration of The Birth of a Nation is 195 minutes, which is approximately 3h 15m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked The Birth of a Nation
How The Birth of a Nation Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Birth of a Nation
He achieved what no other known man has ever achieved. To watch his work is like being witness to the beginning of melody, or the first conscious use of the lever or the wheel; the emergence, coordination, and first eloquence of language; thebirth of an art: and to realize that this is all the work of one man. - James Agee Griffith demonstrated to every filmmaker and moviegoer who followed him what a movie was, and what a movie could be. - Roger Ebert
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
More with Lillian Gish
View full filmography
Part of the The Life of a Nation Collection
Explore the full watch order, ratings, and collection details.
View Full Franchise