Watch Hearts Of The World

Hearts of the World is a World War I drama released in 1918, directed by the legendary filmmaker D.W. Griffith and starring Lillian Gish, Dorothy Gish, and Robert Harron. The film was created as a propaganda tool during the war, aimed at boosting morale for American troops and encouraging citizens to support the war effort. The film's plot centers around a family living in a small French village that is caught in the midst of World War I. As the German army advances through France, the family, along with their neighbors and friends, are forced to flee for their lives. Throughout their journey, they experience the horrors of war and witness the destruction and devastation wrought by the conflict.

Lillian Gish plays the lead role of Marie Stephenson, a young woman who finds herself in the midst of the chaos and destruction of the war. As she struggles to survive and protect her family, Marie becomes determined to do her part in the fight against the Germans. Along the way, she falls in love with an American soldier, played by Robert Harron, who is stationed in France to assist in the war effort.

Dorothy Gish also appears in the film as a young French girl who becomes a close friend of Marie's. Her character adds a touch of humor and levity to the film, providing a brief respite from the heavy subject matter.

One of the standout features of Hearts of the World is its use of actual footage from World War I, which is intertwined with the fictional narrative. This footage provides a strikingly realistic portrayal of the war's impact on civilians and soldiers alike. The film also boasts impressive set designs and special effects that help to bring the war-torn landscape to life.

While the film was undoubtedly successful in its propaganda efforts, it also garnered critical acclaim for its filmmaking techniques and performances. At the time of its release, Griffith was at the height of his career and was widely regarded as one of the greatest directors of the silent film era. Lillian Gish, in particular, was praised for her nuanced and emotionally resonant performance.

Overall, Hearts of the World is a powerful and poignant film that offers a unique perspective on the impact of World War I on civilians. Its use of real footage serves as a reminder of the devastating toll that war takes on innocent people, and its message of resilience and determination in the face of adversity resonates even today. For fans of silent cinema, Hearts of the World remains a must-see classic that continues to captivate audiences nearly a century after its release.

Hearts Of The World is a 1918 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.