Gods and Generals

Rating:
Summary: Should have been titled "Stonewall"
Review: As a huge fan of Jeff Shaara, I'd been eagerly awaiting "Gods and Generals" since I heard of its becoming a film. Not since "Godfather, Part III" have I been so disappointed in a movie.
Stonewall Jackson is far more the focus of the film than he is of Shaara's book.The number of scenes( and minutes) devoted to the religiosity of Jackson is out of proportion to the story to be told. A movie about Jackson's personal beliefs might be of value, but I thought the subject matter of G&G was the Civil War up to Gettysburg.
Abraham Lincoln does not appear, nor does George McClellan, nor does the Battle of Antietam. Robert E. Lee does appear, but no light is shed on why many consider Lee the ablest American general to ever wear a uniform. Nor is there any sign of Lee's famous temper.
My guess is that Executive Producer Ted Turner wanted a tribute to Stonewalland a near total emphasis on the Confederate personages and viewpoint. Turner's cameo appearance, in spite of the laughter it caused at test screenings, remains in the film. The best scenes involve the Battle of Fredericksburg, but even these are not equal to the marvelous battle scenes in "Gettysburg".
Far superior to "Gods and Generals' is Ken Burns' made for PBS series "The Civil War'. "Gettysburg", as well, if one wants the view from both the North and the South.

Rating:
Summary: Should Have Been Titled: Stonewall Jackson!
Review: After having read all the Shaara civil war books, I was excited to learn that the movie was coming out. However I was really disappointed to discover that the movie does not give the book justice. Several points to make:
1) The movie lacks the objectivity of the book, it is clearly biased towards the south. The south is portrayed as being oppressed and only wanting to be left alone to govern itself.
2) The issue of slavery is painted with the same brush as in "Gone with The Wind", where the slaves are shown in a somewhat romantic manner as part of the family, hugging, kissing and praying with their masters. For a moment you have to remind yourself that there was once a book titled: "Uncle Tom's Cabin".
3) Robert E. Lee is made into a secondary character in the movie and the focus is on Stonewall Jackson ad nauseum.
4) My two stars are mainly for the beautiful reenactment of the battles with the benefit of special effects.
Just like another reviewer suggested, save your behind some soreness and wait for the DVD. Better yet, if you would like to learn something about the civil war, read the book or watch the Ken Burns series.

Rating:
Summary: Ron Maxwell and Dennis Frye - Awesome Movie!
Review: After viewing the complete film, (I was priviledged to see some of the pre-directors cut footage), I must say - WELL DONE! The film had depth, multidimensional characters and not the usual love story plot that has been the "norm" for the latest historical releases.

Steven Lang WAS "Stonewall" Jackson
Kali Rocha as Anna was incredible.
Jeff Daniels is a bit heavier but played Chamberlain to a "T"
Robert Duvall WAS Robert E. Lee
Senator Robert Byrd's "Amen" was quite impressive. It was also the only add lib part in the entire movie.
Bradley Schmehl was indeed an excellent horseman and filled out Jackson's entourage quite nicely
Ted Turner's cameo was good.
Shawn played Dr. Hunter Mcguire perfectly
Dennis Frye at Fredericksburg? Nailed his lines perfectly and looked the part.
The remianing actors, far too many for me to list in this review played convincing parts and never seemed to upstage the others in the shot.

Some of the digital effects, such as the far away shot of Fredericksburg and the Union Charge at Marye's Heights were not as sharp as I had wished but impressive none the less.

Harper's Ferry was truly transformed into Fredericksburg, and if you're not from the area you may not even notice.

The soldiers, both Union and Confederate were authentic and had a rugged harsh look to them. I never noticed watch tan lines or traditional hair cuts. Dennis Frye did an excellent job in going over the extras to ensure authenticity.

Without going on and on, I will end this with stating that the movie was very energetic, authentic, and kept my attention and that of my wife for the entire play time. (And my wife is NOT a Civil War buff, more a Civil War Widow.)

This movie is definately a keeper and I look forward to Ron's release of the the "Directors Cut" in a few months. In seeing how well the movie played out, I can only imagine what the entire movie will look like with the addition of Antietam and the sub plot of John Wilkes Booth.

Ron - A Job well done!

Rating:
Summary: Gods and Generals drips with history
Review: "Gods and Generals," a Ted Turner Films Production, is a four-hour epic that drips with history. From the opening scene of Robert E. Lee refusing Lincoln's offer of command of the entire Union Army, to the final scene of Thomas P. "Stonewall" Jackson's death, "Gods and Generals" captures not just the history of the titanic struggles on the battlefield, but also captures the character and chivalry of the times these people lived in.

Some may find the dialogue stilted. But such critiques fail to acknowledge that the people of the 19th century chose their words more carefully, and enjoyed simplier pleasures and a slower pace that gave words a more crafted quality.

Writing a letter in 1861 was an all night affair where thoughts were collected over hours, and pen to ink to paper represented as much an act of craftsmanship as it did communication. The movie captures this flavor of the past in rich and vibrant action. And what you witness is the evolution of America from an innocent and guilded age to a stark age of battle and suffering.

The viewer is transistioned from the painful, yet naively optimistic revelry of 1861 to the brutal acceptance of a long and violent war where the stakes of the South are survival or total defeat.

Each battle carries a faithful insight into the unique character of each period. The confusion of myriad uniforms and inexperienced leadership is captured faithfully in the opening battle scenes at First Bull Run creek.

But, the movie also captures the bitter reality of new war. The pandemonium of civilians under seige and barrage at Fredericksburg is presented in real and terrifying action. The destruction of homes and looting by the Zuave troops is a stark reminder that the South considered themselves very much under invasion by a foreign army. These scenes also paint well the painful enlightenment that warfare of the latter 19th century represented a far more painful experience that today is known as total war, but in the day, as a dark harbinger of things yet to come.

The battles of First Bull Run, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville are three carefully crafted lessons of history in action. The power and scope are faithfully reproduced using live scenes interwoven with the latest in computer animations. At times, it is easy to tell the differences, but such visible seams are forgiven because they convey in brilliant moving color such scenes that were before merely presented in oil paintings and faded black and white photography. One appreciates the efforts when he sees the panoramic scenes of Fredericksburg and the pontoon bridges that Ambrose Burnsides foolishly waited on before deploying forces in the town.

Of course, by this point, Lee had massed his forces behind prepared and integrated defensive positions. You may have read the narratives of the stone wall, and the creek, and the advance of Union troops to their slaughter. But, now you get to experience the reality in stark and palpable action. No Civil War film has ever captured the realities of 19th century warfare as well as this film. The scenes are better than those produced in the second installment "Gettysburg."

Yes, that is correct. "Gods and Generals" is a prequile that starts a three-episode Civil War trilogy produced by Ted Turner films. The second installment "Gettysburg" was of course released years ago. The final installment will be "The Last Measure," and this fact was presented in the movie's final credits.

My earnest advice is to put aside your 21st century senses and sensibilities and immerse yourselves into the psyche of the 19th century American. If you do this before entering the theater, you will appreciate the movie as a beautiful glimpse into the history of the American people on the brink of monumental war, and in their efforts to come to grips with the horror of life ruined by modern total war.

Approached with historical appreciation, you will walk away from the four-hour epic with a deeper understanding of the Civil War. This movie fills in the blanks of narrative prose, oil paintings, and still photographs. It brings alive what previously had been merely imaginations devined from the inadequate imagery of the period.

There is one more earnest piece of advice. Perpare to be emotionally challenged. The scenes of family reconciling the pending deaths of their loved ones and trying in vain to preserve the quaint qualities of their ultimately doomed Antebellum life, are heart renderingly presented. This isn't merely an object lesson in the history of war. It's also a real lesson in the realities of lives torn asunder and of dreams of the future destroyed in ash and blood.

And in a particularly poignant scene, you are reminded that not all the peril of the period was found on the battlefield. This scene deserves to remain fresh and unknown, but when you see it, you will be reminded that this is, indeed, a moving painting of life, rendered in stark color, sound, and faith.

Do yourself a favor, spend four hours of your life and immerse yourself into the realities of life in 19th century America at its most challenged time of war. "Gods and Generals" is rich and vibrant history.

Rating:
Summary: If you're into the Civil War
Review: Those going to see a war movie or an historic epic would probably be confused. But if you know the story, it's like watching living history. I found myself anticipating the dialogue and storyline before it happened, just like a favorite movie I'd seen umpteen times. Although I was born a Yankee, I always felt the southern generals were MUCH more interesting.

Rating:
Summary: Lord, Oh Lord please don't get me bored (by this movie)
Review: First of all I laud the effor by Turner pictures to present our history on film. It is quite and ambitious and nobel undertaking. But, this film came off more like a creation of the 700 Club and it was complete bent towards the Confederate side of the Civil War. I am a Christian and I beleive that every soldier becomes religious while under fire or in combat. That can be taken for granted. Why then did the film makers dwell on Generals praying and making Stonewall Jackson out to be more of a preacher than what he was; an effective strategist and killer:like any good general should be? Why didn't the producers focus more on the fatal flaws of the Union Generals than following around the Confederates? Also I take offense to the way this film makes Confederates into some type of noble figures. Don't forget, 7 Million southern whites enslaved 22 Million blacks and that is why they seceeded and were fighting to preserve. Also the film kept using the same wide battlefield views over and over. The thing I find the most sloppy is the way the cannons do not recoil three or four feet from the shot. Additionally, Turner never really shows the carnage or gets the overall body count correct. Fredicksburg was a bloodbath for the Union. The ground was carpeted with bodies. This film doesn't really show that. The battlefield looks relatively clean.

I really hope that the next civil war film of this scope is made by a more objective producer from a more objective studio; and not Ted Turner.

Rating:
Summary: Simply Great!!
Review: "Gods and Generals" is great and very amazing! So much detail and story in a long 3 hours 49 minutes, but it was worth every minute. I am a "History Crack Addict" and I give this a movie a hell of a job well done. The movie showed you many view points of the South which made them seem less evil then we learned in history class. This movie showed you many great American soldiers even if they wore gray. The music for this movie was fantastic and the battle scenes were great by showing you different ways how the Civil War was fought. The actors were unbelievable. The American's cause and their way of life were very touching in this movie. "Gettysburg" was excellent and now "Gods and Generals" has joined it to share and take on an excellence of its own. Some new faces in the movie, they did splendid including Robert Duvall. And many returning who that once again have done a job well done. So when does this flick come out on DVD?

Rating:
Summary: Overall, a disappoint prequel to the story of "Gettysburg"
Review: The events in "Gods and Generals" take place before those in "Gettysburg," but this first film in the Shaara Civil War trilogy was made ten years after the 1993 epic. Consequently it is a bit discordant for the audience to see some actors a decade older playing younger versions of the same characters, while other familiar characters have new actors in the roles, and one original actor is not playing a different role.

Some of the flaws of "Gods and Generals" are inherent to not only the film but the Jeff Shaara novel as well. Michael Shaara's Pulitzer Prize winning novel "The Killer Angels" told the story of the Battle of Gettysburg from the perspective of a handful of key historical figures. It was as much a psychological profile of John Buford, Robert E. Lee, James Longstreet, and Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain as it was a historical account of the battle (as the latter the film had major gaps, reducing the events of the second day to the pivotal assault on Little Round Top). "Gods and Generals" does not cover four days but rather a period of over two years, during which it focuses on three major battles: (First) Manassas, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville.

The film might begin with Robert E. Lee's decision not to accept command of the Federal armies, but the main character is clearly Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, especially since the film ends with his death. The high point of "Gods and Generals" becomes the Battle of Fredericksburg, mainly because it is the only one of the three battles that is explained to the lay audience (I know about what Jackson did at First Manassas and at Chancellorsville, but the average audience member is not going to have a clue). In that battle, it is the charge of the Union Irish Brigade from New York, going up against a Confederate unit of their fellow Irishmen entrenched behind the stonewall, that provides the most emotional moment in the film. But this appex comes before the intermission.

Yes, there is an intermission, which surprised several audience members at the first showing yesterday; jaws dropped when I informed them this movie was 3 hours and 49 minutes long. My complaint is not that the film is that long, but rather that the film only rarely engages the audience over that long period of time.

Writer-director Ronald Maxwell has made a big effort to make "Gods and Generals" different from "Gettysburg." The effective opening of the latter, where the actors morph into the historic figures they play, and the afterward update of what happened to these characters (lifted from the novel), are both gone. The psychological dimension of hearing the character's thoughts are omitted (except for the ironic echoes of earlier words). In "Gettysburg" the use of music was superb, and has turned up in dozens of trailers as well as the broadcast coverage of the Olympics. But in "Gods and Generals" the music of Randy Edelman and John Frizzell constantly overwhelms the images and gives us not a sense of heroism but rather one of sacred sacrifice (the angelic voices are overdone as well). The exception that proves the rule are the almost cameo like appearances of many of the characters/actors from "Gettysburg" (Oh, look, there is Ted Turner again). When we have different actors playing Generals Armistead and Pickett having a conversation foreshadowing Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg, it was just way too forced.

Robert Duvall is one of the greatest actors of his generation and he certainly looks the part of Robert E. Lee, but there is too much of a twinkle in his eye and a slight smile upon his lips to read true for me. Stephen Lang has the major role as Jackson, who is reduced to the paradox of a devout religious man whose solution to the Northern invasion is to kill all of them. Jeff Daniels is the principle actor from the previous film to return, but then he is playing Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, the Civil War hero who was effectively rediscovered by the Shaara novels and the Ken Burns PBS documentary. Even given the literary impulses of the age, it did seem over the top when Chamberlain launches into a lengthy quotation of a Latin poet historian regarding Caesar crossing the Rubicon as the 20th Maine prepares to be the third assault on Marye's Heights overlooking Fredericksburg. But then Chamberlain spends the next two nights huddled behind a barricade of Union corpses, and the irony between the beginning and the ending of the charge certain captures the death of the illusion of war's grandeur.

"Gods and Generals" succeeds when Maxwell is choreographing his battle sequences, even if we rarely provided with a clear understanding of what is happening in terms of strategy and tactics. Where it fails is in making the characters and the issues of the day seem real, the way they did in "Gettysburg." The slavery issue is treated in such a fashion, with Jackson having a conversation on God's will with his black cook (Frankie Faison) and the loyalty of a slave woman (Donzaleigh Abernathy) who still years for freedom, that is just not believable. "Gettysburg" casts an imposing shadow over "Gods and Generals," and those who have watch the films in chronological order in terms of history rather than production will undoubtedly enjoy the overall experience more because those of us who admired the other film are constantly taken out of "Gods and Generals" by noting that Buster Kilrain (Kevin Conway), Tom Chamberlain (C. Thomas Howell), General Kemper (Royce D. Applegate) and several others have virtually nothing to do in this film.

The bottom line lesson here is that if you thought making a successful sequel was nearly impossible, the odds are stacked even more against making a great prequel.

Rating:
Summary: This is the best Civil War movie that I have ever seen!!!
Review: Over the years I have been consistently disgusted by the type of production given us by Hollywood. Finally, this is a film that completely lives up to my expectations. Gods and Generals is a movie that accurately depicts men in both the southern and northern armies. The main focus of the film is on General Jackson and the Confederate army.
This film is very politically incorrect in today's culture. It shows what many of the southerners were really fighting for, it had very little to do with the issue of slavery. Yes, slavery was absolutely terrible; the thought of one group of people being held in a position of servitude to another is horrifying to me; I thank God that the conflict was resolved. However, we need to remember that that was not the focus for many men on the southern side. The bigger picture was more important to them; they felt that their rights were being seriously infringed upon by the Federal Government. Many actually felt that the southern government should release all of the slaves so that others would understand that the reason for the rebellion was a lot larger.
Gods and Generals does an incredible job showing the faith that men on both sides had in a Sovereign God. Men on both sides of the conflict were fervently praying for God's will to be done. The movie portrays Jackson accurately as a very godly man, his faith in God and devotion to his wife were unequaled. Throughout the Gods and Generals we see deep meaning and conflict. The film shows very meaningful relationships between slaves and their masters, we see slaves deeply loving their masters yet longing to be free. It shows the deep struggles that men had, fighting against their friends and their countrymen; it shows the pain of a son leaving his father to fight for the other side.
Gods and Generals is a deeply moving portrayal of the beginning of the conflict between the states. I would highly recommend that you take the time to see this quality film. I take my hat off to Ron Maxwell for having the vision and the insight to put this incredible production together.

Rating:
Summary: Incredible but not for everybody
Review: This is easily the best movie about the Civil War ever made, better by far than even its predecessor, Gettysburg. It is a beautifully filmed movie, full of action and life, characters and costumes, unlike G-burg, which often appeared like a bunch of re-enactors running around a field for a weekend, which is what that movie essentially was. That having been said, it is a looooong, convoluted, and not terribly coherent movie which led some people in the theater to walk out (not me!). If you understand the history behind it, it makes much more sense, but the movie really does not go out of its way to explain things too well. It also has too many characters, which is OK because the Civil War had millions of characters and nobody seems to mind that too much. Some reviewers have complained that the movie is too pro-Southern, and that Stonewall Jackson is too saint-like, and that may be true to a certain extent, but I think that everybody involved went out of their way to balance things and make the movie historically accurate. Gods and Generals is certainly not as biased as Gone With the Wind, and nobody has ever said GWtW was not a great movie.