Review of Gods and Generals (2003) by Andrew H — 04 Aug 2009

There are some interesting and enjoyable scenes in this film; and there is a very good attempt at showing the justification for the war from both sides. However the downsides are that the film is way way too long. A lot of the scenes are not necessary to put for the film at all and a lot of the film is quite slow and boring. Although the film does attempt to show the story from both sides of the conflict the majority of the film is focused on the Confederate story. There are only three battle scenes within the film. The first one is not too bad it is pretty realistic but you don't get to see the wider picture of the battle just the specific focus on General Jacksons brigade. The second battle is excellent. It isn't too graphic but it is very realistic, there is a focus on the wider battle and the slaughter and stupidity of the tactics used is very well illustrated. The third battle is quite poor and is not particularly realistic its not too bad when the two sides are shooting at each other but when it comes to close quarters both sides appear not to want to hurt each other.

Nothing bad can be said about the acting though. Stephen Lang plays the part of General Jackson extremely well and highlighting the Generals moral beliefs very well indeed. Robert Duvall is really good General Robert E Lee however judging by Gettysburg Robert E Lee seems to be older in this film that the one set later during the war. The same cannot be said for Jeff Daniels who manages to look the same age as in 'Gettysburg' which was made ten years earlier. Daniels again plays Joshua Chamberlain very well and is quite convincing.

Overall a very entertaining if too long Civil War film, which tries to show both sides of the war but just doesn't mange it and the battle scenes are too few and not too good (except for one). The acting by the principal stars is good and bearing in mind that some of the actors are reprising roles they last played ten years ago is a great credit to their acting talents. It would be best to watch this film with at least some knowledge of the American Civil War otherwise I think it will become confusing.