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Turner Pictures
American Civil War Collection
The nation's heart was touched by...
Follows the personal and professional life of Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson, a brilliant if eccentric Confederate general, from the outbreak of the American Civil War until its halfway point.
Wuchak
Jul 8, 2019 · via TMDB
***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-
Mark Rushow
Jun 22, 2017 · via TMDB
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.
User reviews courtesy of TMDB.
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Stephen Lang
Lt. Gen. Thomas Stonewall Jackson
Jeff Daniels
Lt. Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain
Robert Duvall
Gen. Robert E. Lee
Kevin Conway
Sgt. Buster Kilrain
C. Thomas Howell
Sgt. Thomas Chamberlain
Jeremy London
Capt. Alexander 'Sandie' Pendleton
Matt Letscher
Col. Adelbert Ames
Bruce Boxleitner
Lt. Gen. James Longstreet
William Sanderson
Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill
Billy Campbell
Maj. Gen. George Pickett
Ryan Cutrona
Brig. Gen. Marsena Patrick
Mia Dillon
Jane Beale
Justin Dray
George Jenkins
Robert Easton
John Janney
Frankie Faison
Jim Lewis
Miles Fisher
John Beale
John Castle
Old Penn
Barry McEvoy
Marion Sibert
George Allen
Confederate Officer
Robert Byrd
Confederate General
Karen Goberman
Lucy Beale
Patrick Gorman
Gen. John Bell Hood
Lydia Jordan
Jane Corbin
Ed Markey
Irish Brigade Officer
Ted Turner
Col. Tazewell Patton
Ted Turner
Col. Tazewell Patton
William Morgan Sheppard
Gen. Isaac Trimble
Buck Taylor
Gen. Maxcy Gregg
Herb Mitchell
Union Officer (uncredited)
Andrew Prine
Brig. Gen. Richard B. Garnett (uncredited)
Michael Sorvino
Federal Soldier
Mira Sorvino
Fanny Chamberlain
Royce D. Applegate
Gen. James Kemper
William Wages
Second Unit Director of Photography
Toby Bronson
Set Costumer
Casey O'Neill
Stunts
Phil Culotta
Stunts
Rick Barker
Stunts
Ronald F. Maxwell
Director
Ted Turner
Executive Producer
Ted Turner
Executive Producer
Ronald F. Maxwell
Producer
John Frizzell
Original Music Composer
Randy Edelman
Original Music Composer
Matt Hullum
Visual Effects Producer
Ronald F. Maxwell
Screenplay
Alexandra
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300
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Stoned
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Skok
Gone Fishin'
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The Stunt Driver
Schindler's List
1917
Braveheart
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Glory
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Lincoln
Outlaws - For Greater Glory
The Young Lions
Outlaw King
Free State of Jones
A Call to Spy
The Lost Battalion
Pork Chop Hill
Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin
Exodus
Midway
Men in War
The Great War
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Operation Mincemeat
The Great Raid
Flyboys
Drums Along the Mohawk
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
The Kill Team
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Emperor
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Leo Kottke: Home + Away
1989
Match in a Haystack
2025
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Battle your watched movies head-to-head
Community Top Movies
Evil Dead II
1987 · 14 wins
The Dark Knight
2008 · 14 wins
Halloween
1978 · 13 wins
Final Destination
2000 · 12 wins
Halloween II
1981 · 11 wins
Trivia
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