I really enjoy that movie alot, though I don't take it too seriously. However, the general darkness of it really gets across to the viewer how cold it is and gives the atmosphere a special gloomy, wintry and dramatic feeling.
I remember enjoying some years ago the PBS series on the Civil War, esp. all the period songs and photographs. Knowing what I know now about PBS, though, I worry that it may have been "politically correct." Does anyone remember if it was actually any good?