Why is this not in The IMDB Top 250?

Not enough votes, sadly.

Maybe because:

1. No one liked it when it came out.
2. It's a horrible idea.
3. It's just him trying to shake the 'racist' label after Birth of a Nation.

Chris J. Nelson

I can't speak for why this should be excluded from the IMDb Top 250, save all the reasons offered by those before me, but I can point out that, in the IMDb sub-category of the best films dating from 1910-1919, this film is, in fact, #1. An appropriately stunning distinction, I would say, for a film which, despite any possible motivations on the part of its creator, I think ought to be considered one of the true landmarks of the silent film era.

"I don't think that's fair."

I think you are right. However, I posted the comment almost straight away after watching the film again, for the first time in about 12 or 13 years (I first saw it as a young teenager). On a second, more informed viewing I found the film to be progressively riveting as it unreeled and was overcome with awe at the staging and the pioneering use of techniques that don't even register today as they have long been established as 'standard'.

"Just because you're a movie lover doesn't mean you have to like every film that has ever had a 'classic' tag attached to it"

What I meant by this is that in today's terms, 'movie lover' by and large refers to those who habitually attend cinemas to unthinkingly lap up each successive product that rolls off the Hollywood conveyor belt. Whilst this comment may sound disparaging and aloof, I genuinely don't intend it to appear so, as they clearly enjoy going to and watching movies. I just mourn the fact that for far too many people who do treat this as an 'experience', they are seduced by the conveyor belt and are totally unaware of the cultural wealth and significance of history tied up in the years of film heritage fading so frighteningly quickly into the void.

"I just didn't find it as well-made as Birth of a Nation (racism aside) or as small and intimate as Broken Blossoms"

I beg to differ, I think whilst it is impossible (and almost criminal) to underestimate the impact of Birth Of A Nation in the development of cinema, I personally feel that in his realisation of Intolerance Griffith sought to, and was successful in, elevating his pioneering accomplishments to even greater heights. The only adjective I can fittingly, and genuinely, ascribe to the experience of Intolerance is 'monumental'.

Whilst I do not wish to appear pedantic though, I must say I feel arguing that Intolerance is not as 'small and intimate as Broken Blossoms' is a somewhat redundant comparison! But what this also makes me do is strongly resolve to view Broken Blossoms again after over 10 years, so I do thank you!

I think by now the film has been bettered more than 250 times ;)

"Money is Honey. Money is Honey." -- The Producers (1968)

[deleted]

I think this movies is a masterpice. Maybe no much people have seen movies like this... or maybe decided see movies without a message like "Intolerance" has... but after all, is likes. Likes that you respect and we respect you... besides, i´´m sure that tere a lot of people that thinks the movie is excellent... so, dont worry about the lists.

It's like my friends at the V for Vendetta boards have told me,"The 250 List means nothing".Movie critics and serious students of the cinema know the truth.Intolerance is one of the most important movies of all times.It showed that Hollywood could tell a story with a moral and was a masterclass for directors yet to come.









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