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December 1, 2008
Gods and Generals (2003)
Should I see it?
Yes, if you have the time.

Gods and Generals

If you’re going to wade through a 231 minute film, this is the one.

As epic as it is long, this film presents the rise and fall of “Stonewall” Jackson through the praise worthy performance of Stephen Lang in the lead role. Lang at times overplays his hand as the devout Christian Jackson, but still gives the man an impressive faith and sense of Christian servitude that is rarely seen in film. His aggressive faith is not mocked but accepted. It enhances his character when he sits quietly with his wife and more so when he is shot and lies dying.

The film itself, while seemingly endless, is an ambitious marvel. It seriously looks at the South and its conflicting motives during this time. We are shown The Civil War with a detail and affection that is lacking in previous productions. Too bad the film is nearly as long as the actual war.

There are other fine performances to be found in the film. Jeff Daniels and C. Thomas Howell revise their roles as Lt. Col. Joshua Chamberlain and Sgt. Thomas Chamberlain, which they both played in Gettysburg (1993). Daniels offers a sober and nervous man in his Chamberlain. His performance is earthy when compared to the mythic stature of Lang’s Stonewall Jackson.

Obviously, this film could have stood for a massive trimming of unneeded scenes. On the other hand, it is a massive film that presents some fascinating characters and battles. This is not the kind of film you watch over and over, however you will remember it after one viewing. Again, this film is four hours long – you may want to get up every once in a while to keep yourself from getting bedsores.


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posted by Michelle Obama's Left Nut at 8:00 AM




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