Movies I Review

I was not prepared for this movie. The fantastic acting, the overwhelming story and the pure grandeur of it! Its 4 hours long! My only previous knowledge of this movie was references from movies, TV or books. I was surprised to that the movie was not about what I always believed it was about (southern romance with the Civil War in the background). It was so much more! Even the famous line has more meaning.

Scarlet O’Hara is a truly remarkable character. She flirts, abuses, lies, schemes and manipulates to get what she wants. She’s a strong willed women and nothing stands in her way! If she needs to marry someone to get what she wants (which she does several times). The southern gentlemen of the movie line up to marry her (except the one she’s in love with). If you have not seen the movie, this is a spoiler. It’s not Rhett Butler, but a respectable southern gentleman named Ashley Wilkes (poor fool).

She’s the daughter of a prosperous plantation owner. Without a care in the world, she spends her days flirting with the boys. War changes all of it. She struggles with the horror of war and the loss of loved ones. She swears to never go hungry again (very inspirational scene). She deceives her way back into prosperity, only to lose it again and again. Her strength drives her through the movie.

Rhett Butler is very single minded in his pursuit of Scarlet. He’s shrewd and bold, and like Scarlet, always getting what he wants. Nothing stands in his way! He’s also patient, which ultimately gets him his prize (Scarlet!). He survives the war and gets the girl (sort of).

In the end they both got what they thought they really wanted (or did they?).

The movie is funny, sad, shocking and tragic. The characters are alive on the screen; you can feel their struggle, pain, happiness and loss. I am happy to say that I took the time (4 hours!) to watch this amazing movie.

Starring: Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh.

Ranked #4 on the AFI top 100 best movies.