BrianSez's Review

Summary - Great 4.0

Gods and Generals is a perfectly named title for this epic film about the civil war leading up to the battle of Gettysburg. The generals spoke as if they were reading from the bible itself. The hallmark of this film is historical accuracy and an intriguingly in-depth view of the key figures in the war, and a personal look at its famous early battles. Great acting, and true reenactments made this movie great to watch – even though at its over 3 hours in length may cause you to watch it in shifts! If you are a war buff, especially a civil war buff — you simply have to watch this film.

Acting - Great 4.0

Great acting by Stephen Lang as Stonewall Jackson, Robert Duvall as Robert E Lee and Jeff Daniels Lt Chamberlain. These guys delivered their 1800’s style lines so naturally, you were transported in time. Add emotion and a believable style and mannerisms was no simple feat – -but these guys pulled it off.

Film - Great 4.0

Several battles recounted in this film, most notably Fredricksburg and Chancellorsville. Going from scene to scene, I actually followed along using Wikipedia and confirmed facts and looked up other details. They even got most of the documented quotes correctly. That was a great experience. I’ve never been so interested in history. I’m going to have to watch the next in the series: “Gettysburg”, and they are coming out with the third in the trilogy “The Last Full Measure” this year (2010).

Edge - Risqué 1.8

Reality - Glib 1.5

I’m thinking this was pretty close to what it was like — perhaps a few too many solderers had eloquence.

2 Comments

• BrianSez Jun 26, 2010 7:56AM

  Regarding BrianSez’s Review
  Oh yes you should, and if you haven’t seen Gettysburg yet, just add that to your queue alongside G&G for a weekend Civil War marathon! lol I can’t believe Burnside even bothered going through the punishment of the river crossing, never mind facing Longstreet and Jackson up that hill…

• Wick Jun 25, 2010 11:29PM

  Regarding BrianSez’s Review
  Great review, Bri. “The generals spoke as if they were reading from the bible itself.” Good one.

  I’m with you on the Civil War fascination. I got a chance to walk the Fredricksburg battlefield a couple of years ago: along the sunken road and up Marye’s Heights. Burnside’s Union troops didn’t stand a chance.

  Gotta take your recommendation and see this movie. Lang and Duvall as Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee. That’s just this side of Mount Rushmore stuff.

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