Gods
and Generals (2003)
The more you know about the Civil War, the more you'll
appreciate Gods and Generals and the painstaking attention to detail
that Gettysburg writer-director Ronald F. Maxwell has invested in
this academically respectable 220-minute historical pageant. In adapting
Jeffrey Shaara's 1996 novel (encompassing events of 1861-63, specifically
the Virginian battles of Bull Run, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville),
Maxwell sacrifices depth for scope while focusing on the devoutly
religious "Stonewall" Jackson (Stephen Lang), whose Confederate campaigns
endear him to Gen. Robert E. Lee (Robert Duvall, giving the film's
most subtle performance).
Andersonville
(1996)
Ambitious Civil War saga, focusing not on the traditional battlefields
but on the notorious Confederate POW camp where nearly 13,000 prisoners
died in 1864.
The
Blue and the Gray (1981)
A saga about the Civil War from 1859 to the assassination of Abraham
Lincoln in 1865. Based on the works and original materials of Pulitzer
Prize winner Bruce Catton, the trials and conflicts of that national
trauma are seen through the eyes and sketches of artist John Geyser
whose own family is torn apart by conflicting political sentiments.
Gettysburg
(1993)
(Widescreen edition)
"Gettysburg" captures in vivid detail one of the most famous battles
of the Civil War where over 50,000 lives were lost. Covering three days
of brutal military campaigns, the film recreates the world in which
Robert E. Lee, James Longstreet, Lewis Armistead and others made their
tactical decisions and demonstrated their leadership. Special attention
is paid to historical accuracy in costumes, epic battle scenes and weaponry.
The film alternates between Northern and Southern perspectives in order
to deliver a full picture of the battle that changed American history.
Ghost
Brigade (1995)
Yankees and Rebs team up to confront supernatural brigade of evil soldiers
that's been wreaking gruesome slaughter on both sides. Low bugeter has
become somewhat of a cult classic.
Glory
(1989)
A privileged young Boston Brahmin, disillusioned by the savagery of
the Civil War, is offered the command of the 54th Regiment, the first
black fighting unit. The regiment soon discovers its first battle is
to prove it can fight with skill and courage. Academy Award Nominations:
4, including Best Art Direction. Academy Awards: 3, including Best Supporting
Actor--Denzel Washington, Best Cinematography.
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The
Horse Soldiers (1959)
A hardened Union colonel embarks on a dangerous mission
to sabotage a railroad line. Saddled with a quarrelsome doctor and
a Southern belle, the colonel drives his troops deep into rebel territory.
Based on fact.
Ironclads
(1998)
Civil war drama has Virginia Madsen spying for both sides,
as they vie to be the first to develop ironsided ships. The Monitor
and Merrimac fight it out in the climax.
North
and South (1985)
This sweeping, star-studded epic about two powerful families before
and during the Civil War is based on John Jakes' popular novel "Love
and War." The show tells the saga of the Hazards of Pennsylvania and
the Mains of South Carolina and their loves, hatreds, jealousies,
and robust rivalry.
North
and South - Book 2 (1995)
A continuation of the original North and South. Book II opens
in 1861 and continues the families story against the dramatic backdrop
of the war. The carefully filmed battle scenes are sure to please
Civil War buffs.
Shenandoah
(1965)
The tale of a Virginia family and how their reluctant involvement
in the Civil War causes heartbreak in their lives. Very sturdy and
earnest.
Southern
Yankee (1948)
Red Skelton stars as Aubrey Filmore, a hotel bellboy, who through
circumstances beyond his control becomes "The Grey Spider" a Southern
Secret Agent. Buster Keaton helped develop some of the funniest scenes
in the movie including the famous one where Red carries a flag with
one side showing the Stars and Stripes and the other side the Confederate
battle flag. Red wears half a uniform on each side of his body so
that each side thinks he is 'one of our boys' and cheer him as he
marches across the battle field. He is undone when the wind changes.
A very funny man and a very funny film.
Gone
With the Wind (1939)
Hollywood entertainment on its grandest scale, adapted from Margaret
Mitchell's epic novel. The burning of Atlanta and the crane shot of
wounded confederate soldiers are iconic moments in American cinema.
Won eight Oscars.
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