Song of the South was a groundbreaking film in terms of its production combining live action and animation. That alone makes it a technical marvel. In terms of the film itself, it centers on universal themes of friendship, honesty, and family while demonstrating the value of storytelling. There's also a historical element to how stories are passed on from person to person. Indeed, these original stories were likely culled from Joel Chandler Harris's life. They're told very well on screen combining animation and James Baskett's wondrous performance, incredibly taking on the role of several characters. That its beauty can not be seen in present day is something of a tragedy, but perhaps a necessity in a once again ignorant age.
The charge of racism in Song of the South is sadly correct, as it depicts an all too comfortable relationship between slaves (or sharecroppers in post civil war) and their masters. Its true that this relationship was hardly the norm (though by some accounts, did exist). Its true that Uncle Remus is clearly subservient though admired by the white people in the film (something of a paradox there). While Harris clearly supported slavery, the film has merits that should be able to be viewed by modern movie-goers.
When I watch the film, some of it does unnerve me, but it is a product of its time. But if we can tolerate Mickey Rooney doing an Asian in a classic like Breakfast at Tiffany's, then a more enlightened age should be able to enjoy the wonderful storytelling in Song of the South, looking past some of the timely elements. But as we are the country that turned Norbit into box office gold, we might not be quite that enlightened by any means.
The charge of racism in Song of the South is sadly correct, as it depicts an all too comfortable relationship between slaves (or sharecroppers in post civil war) and their masters. Its true that this relationship was hardly the norm (though by some accounts, did exist). Its true that Uncle Remus is clearly subservient though admired by the white people in the film (something of a paradox there). While Harris clearly supported slavery, the film has merits that should be able to be viewed by modern movie-goers.
When I watch the film, some of it does unnerve me, but it is a product of its time. But if we can tolerate Mickey Rooney doing an Asian in a classic like Breakfast at Tiffany's, then a more enlightened age should be able to enjoy the wonderful storytelling in Song of the South, looking past some of the timely elements. But as we are the country that turned Norbit into box office gold, we might not be quite that enlightened by any means.