There have been some negative comments on the costumes in this picture, but I found the wardrobe fascinating. I particularly enjoyed seeing the head bands on the high society dames. They reminded me of Granny of Tweety Bird fame. I believe the film opens quite a wide window on the fashions of the era.
As to whether the film is racist, yes and no: Yes, we are asked to agree with the mob who goes after the Asian man a little too uncritically for our comfort. But no, just look at how this guy came up through what must have been Discrimination Hell to rise to the top of his trade, and most of his actions, especially at the beginning of the film, are indeed civilized. It's about as balanced a portrayal as could reasonably be hoped in a 1915 movie.
As to whether the film is racist, yes and no: Yes, we are asked to agree with the mob who goes after the Asian man a little too uncritically for our comfort. But no, just look at how this guy came up through what must have been Discrimination Hell to rise to the top of his trade, and most of his actions, especially at the beginning of the film, are indeed civilized. It's about as balanced a portrayal as could reasonably be hoped in a 1915 movie.