David Lawrence

A masterpiece of deception, deceit, and historical revisionism that would make Leni Riefenstahl blush. This film, above nearly all films made about the Civil War, promotes the Myth of the Lost Cause: the idea that the rebellion arose over ill-defined issues of "state's rights", and not the preservation of slavery. Were the many scenes of Confederacy-loving slaves not so obscene in their misrepresentation of the evil institution in the south, they would be laughable.

Just tremendous acting from the entire cast. Marvelous script, authentic feel as a period piece in turn-of-the-century South Africa, and a great courtroom drama. If you want to know why this film is universally regarded as a great film, watch it.