Battle Hymn: A complex look at Civil War believers. (Gods and Generals)

National Review Online ^ | February 21, 2003 | Rod Dreher

[xsysmgr]

...got massacred by reviewers.

Sounds like a good reason to go see it. I haven't seen a movie in a theater since Top Gun, but this looks like a reason to make an exception.

[dts32041]

Robert KKK Byrd is in this, don't need to be lining his pockets.

[battlegearboat]

"Best Civil War movie ever"

The Comic Book Guy

[laconic]

Saw it this afternoon. The battle scenese were very good, particularly for Chancellorsville and Manassas I. Character development was good as well; and for a change, it was sympathetic and complimentary to the southern soldier, though not the cause of slavery. It WAS turgid at times, however, far too much treacle and it was far too LONG. WHERE was the film editor here? Modern audiences don't like movies so long they need an intermission! All in all, worth seeing, but so long that its not the type of movie you'd go to the theater to see again.

[EllaMinnow]

We're seeing it tomorrow. It seems like I've been waiting years for this one.

[arly]

I just saw the movie and I thought it was outstanding!.. I guess it wasn't politically correct enough for the liberal media.

[xsysmgr]

Robert KKK Byrd is in this, don't need to be lining his pockets.

Do you think that Byrd is a big enough draw to get a piece of the gross? I think they probably paid him the SAG minimum and patted his vanity a lot.

[ChiMark]

Ebert gave it 1/2 star. Reading his review there was no metion of the film itself but he slams the film as the type Trent Lott would love. I did not need to read further. Fatbert is typical P.C. trash. Truth in history need not apply at Hollywood. Read Michael Medved's review on WND.
What a contrast

[octobersky]

bump

[RJayneJ]

It sound good and I love long movies. The longer the better but I won't see it until I can buy the DVD.

[WhiskeyPapa]

BUMP

[Eala]

All in all, worth seeing, but so long that its not the type of movie you'd go to the theater to see again.

The reviews here on FR have convinced me I need to go see this movie ASAP, instead of waiting until "end of run." It sounds like it will end up in my small collection of videos, including the bit-too-PC "Gettysburg."

[JeepInMazar]

I saw the film late this afternoon. I thought it was great.

At the same time, I think the film will seem irrelevant and irreverent to those who do not understand its historical context. Unfortunately, most Americans probably do not understand that context.

This film will especially be considered trash by those who have been force fed a historical diet of governement education and who lack the willingness or the ability to consider a different perspective.

[billorites]

God, it sounds dreadful.

[uncitizen]

bad reviews of this movie are just what we would expect from liberal media outlets such as the AP. They'll talk the movie down so people won't go watch and see the real truth of what happened 140+ years ago. There's alot of info that can be put out in 3 hours and 45 minutes. Might get some who are misinformed on the Civil War to rethink it, or worse yet, to go out and get a book for more information.

[Always A Marine]

The Cult of Lincoln will choke on this one, I'm sure. I read a completely positive review in the latest World Magazine, so it might just be a difference of perspective.

I'm looking forward to seeing Gods and Generals for reasons of my own. First, the movie portrays Christianity and prayer in an entirely positive and sober light, without today's usual elitist condescension. Second, there is no greater character actor in America than Robert Duvall, who portrays Robert E. Lee. And third, Dr. James Robertson, Virginia Tech history professor and leading Stonewall Jackson scholar, calls Gods and Generals "the greatest Civil War movie I have ever seen, and I have seen them all."

It sounds to me like Ted Turner might have done something right for a change -- and with $91 million dollars of his own money. Good for him...

[Inyo-Mono]

I must see this film. My four-times great-grandmother was "Stonewall" Jackson's aunt. My great-grandfather, one of his brothers, and three cousins (all Virginians) fought for the South. However, one of his brothers fought for the North.

I want my children to see a film like this, so they can get a feel for what that war was really all about - something they are not learning in school.

[Finny]

Of course Robert Duvall and Jeff Daniels are real treats on the screen -- however I really look forward to seeing Stephen Lang in this. I have only seen him in Tombstone,, in which he played Ike Clanton marvelously well. He is a fine actor (and a pretty good horseman!).

Although it's long, it sounds like a movie well worth seeing. I hadn't really been excited about seeing it (my husband wants to go), but after reading this thread -- especially knowing that Ebert gave it such a low rating !! -- I will see it gladly.

[Tax-chick]

I'll wait for the video! I like long movies that I can stop and start when I want to.

[WIladyconservative]

Saw it this afternoon - my comments are HERE