What person does not like war movies? Especially if the movie is based on something real and very historical? I'm no statistical expert, and neither do I claim to be the "manliest man," but I would have to say that most men and women would appreciate the film, "Gods and Generals."
I could sit here and write away on how the plot goes, but then all of you readers would most likely laugh at me, and rightfully so. My reasoning, of course, is that "Gods and Generals" is possibly the start of the greatest trilogy (hint hint) that will cover the infamous Civil War. I'm talking about the American war, North versus South, that we had embedded in our heads all throughout elementary school, high school, and possibly even some college. So people, I don't think I really need to explain what exactly goes on in this movie.
I will say that if you would like to brush up on your Civil War history, it is certainly recommended to go out to the theaters and watch "Gods and Generals." This movie only covers what I guess would be the first portion of the war, however. For example, you'll see the reason for starting the war and the most important battles in Virginia. Apparently there will be two more movies following "Gods" that will complete the saga.
Robert Duvall is excellent as Robert E. Lee. His acting was impeccable, as always, and I believe he fit the character very well. Jeff Daniels did an okay job, playing a professor from Maine asked to take a commission to lead a brigade. The portrayal of all military procedures seemed to be right on point. All costumes/uniforms were excellent, as well as everything else from props to settings. This flick was definitely made with much precision.
The epic "Gods and Generals" has been a most anticipated movie for quite a while. A lot of great things came out of this production but I found a few details to be somewhat irritating. For one, oh my, some of the scenes were just torturing. I'm not talking about gut-wrenching battle sequences, either. I am complaining about the oh-too-long dialogues set forth within this movie. It is no wonder the length of "Gods and Generals" was just shy of 4 hours! There was an intermission, for crying out loud, and I'm not kidding! Also, some of the acting was pathetic, like a fourth-grade school play. Furthermore, if you're an atheist, beware of this movie. I happen to be a religious man, but there was just too much repetitive, religious dialogue in here. If it were not for communion, I wouldn't have gone to mass on Sunday! I know they were trying to emphasize the inclusion of God (hence the title), but it was getting nowhere fast.
As much as I vent about this movie, it was wonderful and I do not regret seeing it. It's a classic regardless of its obvious flaws. I am very much looking forward to sitting through the next two monster-length movies they release. Bring it on, soldier.
Responses:
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Name: the killing tree
Comments:
greg--
more often than not, the flying of the so-called "rebel flag" is about remembrance of history. as a southerner myself, i'm very proud of those before me who gave their lives for a belief. i refuse to forget my ancestors because popular perception says that all they were fighting for was slavery. slavery was actually a minor portion of the beginning of the war and the secession, but you didn't know that, did you?
Name: Greg
Comments:
Sounds cool. I'm interested in seeing it. Granted, I think people need to get over the Civil War. The South lost and they need to get over it. Sadly, most ever redneck still waves about their flag in racist fashion. But war movies are very interesting. It's a good thing we don't fight like those old days. Yeah, now we just nuke 'em 'til they glow.
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