In 1861 the Union army of the North and what became the army of the Confederate States of America, began the Civil War, which some might argue continues to this day. Led by Robert E. Lee, who declined President Lincoln's request to lead Union troops, 11 southern states seceded from the federal government's Union. Lee was loyal to Virginia and was committed to states rights and the President was determined to preserve the Union.
"God and Generals," which covers the years 1861-1863, looks at the major battles of Bull Run, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and is the prequel to the film "Gettysburg," released in 1993. The last film in the trilogy will be "The Last Full Measure." Based upon a screen adaptation of Jeff Shaara's best-selling novel, this prequel has Robert E. Lee (Robert Duvall) and Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson (Stephen Lang) leading the South to historical, but bloody victories. Outstanding insight is provided of a tragic conflict in this country's history in which over 600,000 Americans died.
Provided is fresh food for thought on current issues such as the Confederate Flag, African-Americans and the notion of the melting pot. I highly recommend it for both adults and pre teens. Our 10-year-old grandson sat through this movie, which is more than three hours and enjoyed it. There is an intermission.
This film includes commentary on the plight of civilians, African Americans and women. While the majority of the film focuses on white soldiers, deeply involved in the war, no matter from which perspective, North or South, it also provides insight into their family relationships as well as that of some slaves. In one case Jim Lewis (Frankie Faison), a black cook for Stonewall Jackson, and who was paid for his work, questions Jackson while they pray, as to how some men can keep others enslaved.
Martha, portrayed by Donzaleigh Abernathy (TV's "Any Day Now"), daughter of the Civil Rights leader Ralph Abernathy, is a slave in a wealthy home who wants freedom for herself and her children. She uses her wits to keep her family alive, and the home and family of her owners safe, when the Union army marches in.
In the tradition of other trilogies, like Lord of the Rings, The Godfather saga, and even the Harry Potter series, this is best appreciated when considered as one movie shown in three parts. Though not released chronologically, "Gods and Generals," which shows the early days of the Civil War, is the first installment. "Gettysburg," Part 2, focuses on a battle that takes place in one location over three and a half days, and features no civilians, blacks or women. The final segment, "The Last Full Measure" will tend to tie things together.
Jeff Daniels gets the lead billing and promotional focus for the fine job he does reprising his role as Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. A former college professor, who becomes a great military leader for the North, Chamberlain cautions his brother that Negroes are not to be called "darkies," not because he wants to be politically correct but because he respects all human beings.
The real standouts in this film are Stephen Lang as Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson and Robert Duvall as General Robert E. Lee. Both add personality to these "heroes of the Confederacy" that are household names to all Americans. Lee said, "It is well that war is so terrible, or we should grow too fond of it." Though Jackson's background as a professor of natural and experimental philosophy, and instructor of artillery at the prestigious Virginia Military Institute, appears to have made him a man whose true love is the sweetness of victory in battle. Lang says regarding the acting part of Stonewall Jackson that "He was both complex and contradictory - an Old Testament warrior with New Testament faith. Portraying him required all I had and more." With this film being released so early in the year, Golden Globe and Academy Award ® voters will not likely remember the truly outstanding performance of Stephen Lang as Stonewall Jackson.
Although Robert Duvall does not get the percentage of screen time that George C. Scott did in "Patton," his presence as a strong leader comes across loud and clear. Mira Sorvino as Chamberlain's wife Fanny and Donzaleigh Abernathy in her portrayal of the slave Martha give fine supporting performances. Kali Rocha offers a rather saintly interpretation of Jackson's wife Anna; I half expected rays of glory to surround her at times. With well over 100 speaking parts, in addition to more than 7,500 Civil War "re-enactors," the robust cast makes "Gods and Generals" come to life.
Words and phrases such as slavery, Reconstruction, Civil War, Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, Rebel, Confederate flag, Yankee, and even Abraham Lincoln tend to be hot buttons that stir emotions almost 150 years after the events depicted in this film. Sympathetic whites argue that the Confederate flag represents a glorious, though sorrowful time in the history of the South. I say that symbol of the Confederacy has no place on state flags, flying alongside the flag representing the United States of America. Display that flag in the privacy of your home, in museums of history and when we teach all our children the true history of these United States; the blight of slavery and the war to end it as well.
