'Gods and Generals': Joseph Farah urges readers to see important new movie on Feb. 21

WorldNetDaily.com ^ | Thursday, February 6, 2003 | Joseph Farah

[JohnHuang2]

I seldom urge readers to go see a Hollywood movie.

But that's what I will do in this column, so be warned.

For 10 years, I covered Hollywood – the good and the bad. It was mostly bad – real bad.

To my knowledge, I was the first journalist ever to write exclusively about the entertainment industry in a social, moral and political context. Now such commentary and analysis has burgeoned into a cottage industry.

I still love films – but there are precious few great ones being made.

Hollywood is a garbage factory – a moral cesspool.

Yet, occasionally, the good people in Hollywood – and there are some – manage to work hard against all odds to produce masterpieces. One of those is about to be released to the general public later this month – Feb. 21 to be precise.

Don't make any other plans that day. Check with your local theaters to find out where this film is debuting and take your entire family for what will be 215 minutes of outstanding entertainment, inspiring performances, accurate history lessons, gripping cinema and morally uplifting dialogue.

The movie is "Gods and Generals," directed and written by Ron Maxwell.

"Gods and Generals" is based on the best-selling book by Jeff Shaara. It is the prequel to "Gettysburg." It is filmed on location in Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia and chronicles the early days of the War Between the States leading up to Gettysburg.

Starring Robert Duvall as Robert E. Lee and Stephan Land as Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, it is a must-see – as perfect a movie as fallen human beings are capable of producing.

Uniquely, this film recognizes the deep spiritual values of those involved in this conflict – on both sides. Soldiers pray in this movie. They pray heartfelt, sincere prayers. They read scripture. They make great personal sacrifices to carry out their duty. They love and revere their wives.

While the War Between the States was the bloodiest war in U.S. history, this movie will make you proud to be an America – from the North or South.

Rediscover the meanings of heroism, honor, duty and valor. See "Gods and Generals."

If this sounds like a commercial appeal, it is not. I am telling you about my strong feelings about this movie because I know many of you – like me – seldom pay any attention to what Hollywood produces. If you're like me, you seldom give new movies a second thought. That's why the few good movies that are made each year are at a distinct disadvantage in the marketplace. The marketplace is made up of non-discriminating consumers of garbage.

It's important that this film is seen because of its positive impact on those who see it. It's also important that this movie succeed commercially so that it can pave the way for more great art of this kind.

Here's a suggestion for your weekend of Feb. 21. Buy or rent "Gettysburg" on video or DVD. Make arrangements to see "Gods and Generals" that weekend and then follow it up with a viewing of "Gettysburg."

That's what I'll be doing with my family that weekend – and I've already seen the film. I can't wait to see it again.

Ron Maxwell deserves our thanks for working so hard on this film and creating such a masterpiece. He should be rewarded with a Best Director nomination by the Motion Picture Academy. I'm also going to nominate Stephan Lang for an Academy Award for Best Actor.

I can honestly say I have never seen a better movie than "Gods and Generals." It is so good on so many levels, words very nearly fail me in recommending it. I cannot urge you strongly enough to see it – and to see it early and often.

If you are ready to whet your appetite, go have an hors d'ouvre at GodsandGenerals.com.

---

[JohnHuang2]

Thursday, February 6, 2003

Quote of the Day by cubreporter

[goldstategop]

I saw Gettysburg. Great movie - recaptured for me what it meant to be an American. I'm sure Gods & Generals will be as great if not greater than its predecessor. It rare to find Hollywood saying there's something right about America and after a long wait, such a movie has finally arrived and Joe Farrah is not one to recommend a film lightly.

[strela]

I saw Gettysburg. Great movie - recaptured for me what it meant to be an American.

Yes, but geez, those fake-o beards (sigh) ...

I'm taking a vacation day on February 21 specifically to go see G&G.

[75thOVI]

I've been waiting for this movie for a long long time. I belong to an American Civil War reenactors unit in here in Florida. The 75th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Our ancestor unit fought Stonewall in the Valley, tried to slow down Longstreet at 2nd Manassas, and was kept in a nice safe spot on the far right at Chancellorsville. Our Colonel Robert Reily told this men tha there would be a terrible fight that day and if any man was afraid of it, he would give him a pass to the rear as he, "Would not die in the company of a coward!" He lead the 75th in a counter charge, and was killed by a blast of cannister. I believe he was successful in his determination. At Gettysburg the 75th went into line on Cemetery Hill with 138 men and by the morning of the 4th of July was the first Federal unit to reenter the town of Gettysburg with 12 men still on there feet. In the reorganization after Gettysburg they were sent South to sunny Florida, and that's where we are today. Do I sound a little proud of our ancestors? I am! And not just the 75th, and not just the ones who wore blue. I do, however, seem to be in the minority these days. Our unit had an agreement to participate in a living history presentation in conjunction with the movie release at a local theatre here in Melbourne. We were called Wednsday night and told that due to some comments overheard at during the trailer we would not be welcome, and that the theatre would be "downplaying" the movie. I guess that's the movie industry these days. Hype the most abominable trash to the hights, and downplay the most significant film to come along in years. Please Freep this film. Help show them that there is support for good film. Needless to say, I'll be watching the premier at another theatre. You see, I won't sit in the company of cowards either.

Rick Nigh Pvt
Co. A 75th OVI

[Robert DeLong]

I refuse to see this movie because:

Production Company: Turner Pictures

producer Ted Turner

I will do nothing to help this man make more money.

[condi2008]

Stonewall Bump! Looking forward to it! The soundtrack is available now.

Before ordering his tents to be struck, his last act was to dismount from his horse and seek the privacy of his own tent. His servant Jim, to whom he had thrown the reins, raised his hands to the bustling crowd around, as a warning gesture, and in a loud whisper said: "Hush!...the general is praying!" Silence immediately fell upon the camp, and was maintained until the curtain was withdrawn and the Christian warrior came forth from his closet, where he had drunk of the inspiration that comes only from above, which makes a man "strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might".
~Life and Letters of Stonewall Jackson - by Mary Anna Jackson

[PistolPaknMama]

From the article: I seldom urge readers to go see a Hollywood movie

Farah got this part wrong. This is NOT a Hollywood movie. I was fortunate enough to see a private screening of the movie with the director, Ron Maxwell. Mr. Maxwell said he did everything he could to keep Hollywood OUT of the production of this movie.

[LTCJ]

Well said, sir. A salute to the 75th from a great grandson of the 49th GaVI, who marched with Jackson's Foot Cavalry in the Valley, and of the 15th GaVI whom they stood againt at 2nd Manassas.

May God forgive the country that forgets the blood of her sons.

[smug]

mrs. smug and I are going to the first showing friday. that will get me primed for the freep rally in Indy saturday

[aristeides]

All the reviews of Gettysburg complain about the fake beards and Martin Sheen's portrayal of Robert E. Lee. When I saw the movie, I didn't notice that the beards were fake, and I thought Sheen did a good job of acting.

[wideawake]

That's the problem with Sheen. He's actually a very good actor. Gettysburg and Apocalypse Now are two of my favorite movies.

[Skooz]

They pray heartfelt, sincere prayers. They read scripture. They make great personal sacrifices to carry out their duty. They love and revere their wives.

What dangerous, insane, hateful, intolerant, mean-spirited freaks!

[jgrubbs]

Watch the trailer for Gods and Generals online:

http://www.apple.com/trailers/wb/gods_and_generals/

[jgrubbs]

Sheen did a good job, but Duvall will be 10 times better as General Lee than Sheen was.

[winodog]

Duvall makes it all seem so natural. I loved the movie lonesome dove mainly because of him.
I would bet he does ten times the job sheen does, not because I hate sheens's politics, just because you will think he really is General Lee.

[Dr. Scarpetta]

bump

[Library Lady]

My husband and I have a good friend who goes to a lot of reenactments as a Confederate soldier. He had the good fortune to be in "Gods and Generals." I can't wait to see this movie.

[bulldogs]

I would like to see the movie, but I won't. Ted Turner Boycott.

[Core_Conservative]

I have mixed emotions about this movie. Yes - Ted (the traiter) Turner backed it. I don't like the idea of giving him any more of my money - so that he can contribute to Castro or any other communist. However, I am also a Civil War Reenactor - My unit is the 2nd United States Sharp Shooters - company B from Michigan. I have always loved history - and what a better way to preserve what the reenactors do, than on film/cd. I can think of no better tribute to our fore-fathers than to reenact what they have done. Remember them. Turners film Gettysburg did a fabulous job of that, and I'm sure God's and Generals will do the same. Thank God that someone has the money and will to preserve our history!

[Bigg Red]

Your reason for boycotting this film is exactly what mine is. It sounds great, but why should any of my money go to that piece of clinton, Turner.