Alvy's Review Of ''Gods and Generals''
By Jon Alvarez (07/22/03)
I saw this film while it was in the theaters and while I found it to be quite enjoyable, I'd have to give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. As a history and Civil War buff, I was able to withstand the nearly four hours without a problem.
My history background allowed for me to follow the story line and understand what was happening. The average moviegoer, however, may not be able to follow the plot nor appreciate the attention to detail, the battle scenarios, and the significance of the death of General Jackson to both the Confederate Army and General Robert E. Lee. In other words, you might want to pass on this movie if you have not seen it yet or if you are not a history buff.
''Gods and Generals'' is a prequel to the 1993 movie "Gettysburg.'' Many of the same actors reprised their roles in this film and there was one positive casting change: Robert Duval as General Lee replaces the anti-American actor and activist, Martin Sheen. As an American patriot, I could not, in good conscience, have been able to bring myself to see this film had Sheen reprised his role as General Lee. I was also a bit perplexed as to why Stephen Lang was chosen to portray General Jackson when he was cast as General George Pickett in the prior film, ''Gettysburg.'' Lang was excellent, though, in his portrayal of Jackson, a military genius and devoutly religious man. Robert Duvall was simply wonderful as Lee.
On another note, I felt the necessity of portraying the slaves in the film as loyal followers of their masters was a bit overdone. To mention the South's toying with the idea of liberating slaves that fight in the CSA was necessary, but a scene with Jackson's black cook at his deathbed was a bit over the top. Some may also be turned off by the extent to which Jackson's religious fervor was depicted throughout the film. However, the battle scenes were breathtaking and very believable. Several battles were depicted with great attention to detail.
This movie afforded its audience a chance to witness history from the Southern perspective. That in and of itself was quite refreshing in light of today's era of political correctness. The movie was very balanced in its portrayal of this great struggle as being one of states' rights first with the elimination of slavery as a by-product of that struggle. I will be adding it to my DVD collection.
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