Directed by:
D.W. GriffithCinematography:
G.W. BitzerCast:
Lillian Gish, Richard Barthelmess, Donald Crisp, Edward Peil Sr., George Beranger, George Nichols, Wilbur HigbyPlots(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 face it, silent movies are simply not for today's audience. They are too slow, their pace is determined by the absence of sound, even though the music tries hard to make this lack of dialogue less obvious. D.W. Griffith was a great director. He was able to tell stories in a way that meant something, so that the film had a meaningful message. This also applies to the movie "Broken Blossoms". It is a beautiful social romance about a Chinese man (played by an American) and a poor girl in England. Beautiful scenes and beautiful characters, unfortunately it is a shame that only very few people appreciate this beauty today. There's nothing to be done, times have changed and these movies are simply relics. But I'm glad that they are still available. Especially the works of D.W. Griffith are worthwhile and are not coincidentally part of the golden fund. When you see scenes of violence here, they can be quite chilling, especially in the context of the plot. Yes, even a silent film can still evoke emotions. You just have to approach it closer and give it a try.
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