Stephen Lang

Jeff Daniels

Robert Duvall

Kevin Conway

C. Thomas Howell

Jeremy London

Matt Letscher

Brian Mallon

Bo Brinkman

Bruce Boxleitner

William Sanderson

Billy Campbell

Ryan Cutrona

Mia Dillon

Justin Dray

Robert Easton

Frankie Faison

Miles Fisher

John Castle

Conn Horgan

Barry McEvoy

Robert Byrd

Karen Goberman

Joseph Fuqua

Patrick Gorman

Lydia Jordan

Ed Markey

Ted Turner

Thomas B. Mason

Gary Gustin

William Morgan Sheppard

Buck Taylor

Herb Mitchell

Andrew Prine

Ronald F. Maxwell

Jeff Shaara

Moctesuma Esparza

Robert Katz

Mace Neufeld

Robert Rehme

Randy Edelman

Kees Van Oostrum

Corky Ehlers

Michael Z. Hanan

Joy Todd

Richard La Motte

Maurice Whitlock

John Frizzell

Gregory Bolton

Casey Hallenbeck

Bill Iiams

Geoff Hubbard

Daniel R. Jennings

Patricia Klawonn

Hugo Santiago

Jonathan Short

Stan Tropp

Cheree Welsh

Silvija L. Moess

Gary Coppola

Pete Elia

J. Stanley Johnston

Melissa Sherwood Hofmann

Bob Newlan

David Hankins

Catherine Harper

Javier M. Hernández

Stacey A. Washer

Matt Vogel

Adam Howard

Justin Paul Ritter

Jon Townley

Matt Hullum

Lorraine Rozon

Thomas G. Smith

Chris Howell

Stephen Crowley

Van Redin

Tom Weston

Catharine Fletcher Incaprera

Lisa Jaime

Taylor Knight

Vanessa Davis

Manlio Rocchetti

Janeen Schreyer

Patricia Androff

Joseph P. Hurt

Chris Ryan

Brian Gunter

Jay Kemp

Toby Bronson

Carl Curnutte III

Robert DeGrazia

K. Drew Fuller

Deborah Latham

Dan Romero

John Crowder

Tom Trigo

Vic Heutschy

Casey O'Neill

William Wages

Steve George

Kelly Farrah

American Civil War Collection

Drama

History

Gods and Generals

Turner Pictures

Antietam Filmworks

Esparza / Katz Productions

Neufeld/Rehme Productions

Mace Neufeld Productions

Warner Bros. Pictures

United States of America

English

Mark Rushow

It is too afraid of reality to depict truths. Rather it hides behind a facade of being artistically 'old filmy' in styling; as too paint the whole in the romanticised vision (whitewash) held by those that love the idea of the Civil War. It was rather unbearable to say the least.

***Way better than "Gettysburg"***

Even though I love the Civil War I waited a full six and a half years before catching the prequel "Gods and Generals" (2003). Why? Because 1993's "Gettysburg" was so unimpressive. While "Gettysburg" has some worthwhile scenes it was merely okay on a whole, and sometimes downright tedious. How the filmmakers made the Civil War's biggest battle boring (generally speaking) is beyond me.

Gods and Generals" is the prequel detailing the battles of First Bull Run, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, which are largely viewed through the lens of Stonewall Jackson (Stephan Lang) on the Confederate side and the Chamberlain brothers (Jeff Daniels and C. Thomas Howell) of Maine on the Union side. Also on hand is, of course, Robert E. Lee, played by Robert Duvall, who does a more engaging portrayal than Martin Sheen in "Gettysburg." The film starts off slow and builds momentum. By contrast, "Gettysburg" started off slower and never became engaging with the exception of Little Round Top and Pickett's Charge. 

Where "Gods and Generals" really pulled me in was the battle scenes of Fredericksburg and the aftermath. It showed how Civil War troops were required to march, shoot & reload in formation while rifles and friggin’ cannons are blasting their way. The Chamberlain brothers had to sleep on the battlefield that night. Imagine sleeping amongst all those dead bodies and dying, moaning soldiers! This was very well done.

There are quite a few other great scenes, like the Yankee and Reb soldiers meeting in the middle of the river to exchange coffee for tobacco; the execution of three deserters; and the "perfect battle" for the Confederates at Chancellorsville where General Lee, with a much smaller force, takes the risk of dividing his army and executing a surprise attack. Unfortunately for the Confederates they won at a huge cost as General Jackson loses his "right arm" to friendly fire.

The story ends on a slow, melancholy note.

I was impressed with the battle in the town scene. The town looked so authentic. Watching the documentary afterward I learned how they accomplished this: they filmed it at Harpers Ferry, WV.

Some have complained that the Southern viewpoint is shown in a more positive light than the Northern, but I disagree. While it seems more time is spent with Jackson & Lee's story, considerable time is certainly given to the North as well; the film does an excellent job of taking the middle road between the two positions.

The film was shot on location in Virginia, Maryland and Harpers Ferry, WV and runs 3 hours and 39 minutes. The Director's Cut (which I haven't seen) runs a full hour longer and features the bloody battle of Antietam and a subplot with John Wilkes Booth.

FINAL WORD: If you thought "Gettysburg" was boring don't let that prevent you from checking out "Gods and Generals." Yes, you have to be ready for a long movie and it does have some slow, dramatic parts but it builds momentum and it's one of best Civil War films in helping the viewer visualize the battles and many other aspects.

WARNING: Believe it or not, the film shows overt depictions of Bible reading, citation and prayer!! It also dares to show Christianity and marriage (between a man and woman) in a positive light!! Oh my God!!! 

GRADE: B+/A-

Gods and Generals - The Movie Trailer

Gods and Generals

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