Gods and Generals
Starring: Jeff Daniels, Stephen Lang, Robert Duvall, Mira Sorvino, Kevin Conway, C. Thomas Howell, Frankie Faison
Directed by: Ronald F. Maxwell
Rating: PG-13
Genre: War, Drama, Historical
Box Office: $12,882,934
2002

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Follows both the North and South armies during the Civil War, including the battles of Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancelorville.

Review:

Tim: Gods and Generals is a fitting prequel to the epic film Gettysburg. It has the same epic qualities, but this time looking at earlier battles in the war. For any history buff, the film is incredibly interesting. Average viewers should enjoy it as well.

This film succeeds because it shows the human side to war- at times we may temporarily forget that the Civil War was about Americans fighting Americans, friends fighting friends, brothers fighting brothers. Most people today cannot imagine what that must have been like. Gods and Generals shows the courage men had to walk calmly into battle and almost certain death. You will have a much better appreciation for that war after watching this film.

Jeff Daniel's speech to his brother is a poignant, thought-provoking and emotion-raising scene. It is one of the highlights of the movie as well as one of the most human moments.

While this movie is entertaining, it is also 219 minutes long. At times it feels like it lasts longer than the Civil War itself. You really need to clear your schedule and be in the right mood before popping this film in, because if not, you will regret it.

One aspect of the film to mention is that it is much more focused on the Confederacy than the Union, and especially on Stonewall Jackson. Stephen Lang gives a remarkable performance as General Jackson.

Gods and Generals is an entertaining film that actually holds a great deal of academic appeal. It is quite authentic and very well made. The length is its ally, but also its enemy. It is not a movie that you'll pop in during a party, but you should see it some boring Saturday, perhaps.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Gettysburg, Glory, Cold Mountain