Directed by Ronald F. Maxwell
Book by Jeff Shaara
Screenplay by Ronald F. Maxwell

Chris Conner .... John Wilkes Booth
Jeff Daniels .... Lt. Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain
Stephen Lang .... Gen. 'Stonewall' Jackson
Robert Duvall .... Gen. Robert E. Lee
C. Thomas Howell .... Tom Chamberlain
Donzaleigh Abernathy ... Martha
Kevin Conway .... Sgt. 'Buster' Kilrain
Patrick Gorman .... Brig. Gen. John Bell Hood
Brian Mallon .... Brig. Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock
Matt Lindquist .... Heros Von Borcke
Bo Brinkman .... Maj. Walter H. Taylor
Royce D. Applegate .... Brig. Gen. James L. Kemper
Cooper Huckabee .... Henry T. Harrison

Produced by
Moctesuma Esparza .... executive producer
Nick Grillo .... co-producer
Robert Katz .... executive producer
Ronald F. Maxwell .... producer
Mace Neufeld .... executive producer
Robert Rehme .... executive producer
Ronald G. Smith .... co-executive producer
Ted Turner .... executive producer
Robert J. Wussler .... associate executive producer

Original Music by Bob Dylan, Randy Edelman and John Frizzell
Cinematography by Kees Van Oostrum
Film Editing by Corky Ehlers
Casting by Joy Todd
Production Design by Michael Z. Hanan
Costume Design by Richard La Motte and Maurice Whitlock

MPAA: Rated PG-13 for sustained battle sequences.
For rating reasons, go to FILMRATINGS.COM, and MPAA.ORG.
Parents, please refer to PARENTALGUIDE.ORG

A VERY DIFFERENT MOVIE
This is the most spiritual movie I have seen in a long time. It tells the story of faith in a very difficult time. It's a prequel to the acclaimed Gettysburg, which was also directed by Ron Maxwell, and funded by Ted Turner. This film centers around Stonewall Jackson and has great performances like that of Robert Duvall as General Robert E. Lee.

AN IMPORTANT FILM ABOUT THE PRICE OF FREEDOM
California Congressman Dana Rohrabacher feels strongly that Gods and Generals imparts an important message by bridging America's present to its not-so-distant past, and I agree. "Young people have got to understand that it was just ordinary people, regular human beings like the people who live across the street and like themselves, who made sure that this country became a free society and a wonderful place to live."

A MOSAIC OF AMERICAN LIFE THAT IS UNIVERSAL IN SCOPE
Director Ron Maxwell describes Gods and Generals as a "mosaic of American life... I think it is vitally important for the next generation to understand and contemplate the Civil War. It is our Iliad; American, yet universal, touching on themes that transcend time and place and nation, echoing from the American Civil War to the Civil War in Rome... This story teaches us that freedom and liberty have never come cheaply and that very few generations ago, this country paid a tremendous price for those privileges."

In addition to being a well studied historian, filmmaker Ron Maxwell is a man of deep faith who is not afraid to explore issues of religious faith. In this film we are given the opportunity to explore the faith of Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, Martha the slave and others. Maxwell does this with bold excellence. This kind of fearless filmmaking is refreshing to see on the big screen.

Here are some examples:

THE SPIRITUALITY OF A SLAVE
Donzaleigh Abernathy, daughter of Civil Rights leader Robert Abernathy, plays the role of Martha, a slave woman, left behind by the Southern family that she serves. Her performance is unforgettable. Martha offers this prayer on behalf of the Union soldiers who've overtaken her house. She quotes from Esther 4:13-14,

"Think not to thyself, that thou shall escape.
Then shall deliverance arise
Who knows whether thou hast come to the kingdom.
For such a time as this."

Martha sees her faith as important to the larger picture as she expresses her deepest hope:

"Esther had to save her people too. I love the people you chased from this house. The Beales is good people. I was born a slave and I want to die free. Heaven help me. May God bless you all."

Abernathy is a superb actor with a profound personal faith in God. In a conversation with her, I learned that the quote from Esther was her idea and one that Ron Maxwell liked so much that he included it.

Abernathy had a powerful personal motivation to take on the role. "I wanted to honor the memory of my great Grandfather George Abernathy, who was born a slave, and my other ancestors who were trapped in the evil oppression of two hundred and forty-four years of slavery. They were beautiful, elegant, dignified human beings and not savages. I want everyone to know who they were, how they felt and that the Civil War gave us our freedom."

THE SPIRITUALITY OF STONEWALL JACKSON
After reading the script, James I. Robertson, author of the definitive biography Stonewall Jackson: The Man, the Soldier, the Legend said, "The script reveals for the first time the real essence of one of history's most famous individuals. Most important of all, it endeavors to present a film that will inspire as well as inform."

I was absolutely taken by the performance of Stephen Lang as Jackson. Lang introduces us to a side of General Jackson that has long been overlooked --his spiritual side. In one scene depicting the morning before the Battle of Bull Run, Jackson overlooking the green fields of Virginia and offers this prayer:

"Dear Lord, this is your day, you have admonished us to keep it holy. If it is your will that we fight this day, then your will be done. I ask your protection over Anna, your faithful servant, my loving wife. I ask you to shine your face upon her on her 30th birthday. Dear Lord, you have called me to this place and this hour far from my home and my loved ones. I am ready Lord, your will be done. It is your sword I will wield into battle, it is your banner I will raise against those who will desecrate our land. If it is my time to come, then I will come with all the joy in my heart. Amen."

"An army is power. Its entire purpose is to coerce others. We have seen more suffering than any man should ever see. The end must justify the cost. War is a scourge, but so is slavery. It is the systematic coercion of one man over another. That is no excuse to tolerate it here. If your life or mine is part of the price to end this curse and free the Negro, then let God's will be done."

Review
Robert C. Morwell

While the book evenly spreads its attention between Confederate leaders Robert E. Lee and "Stonewall" Jackson, and Union officers Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and Winfield Scott Hancock; the movie focuses primarily upon Jackson. It spends considerable time presenting the Southern point of view that the sovereignty of the individual states take primacy over the larger Union and that their fight is to be free from Federal domination. But it never really touches on the fact that the primary "right" the Confederate states were fighting to preserve was the right to keep millions enslaved.

The only two slaves who get much screen time are both depicted as well treated by their masters and one refuses to leave her owners even as she professes a deep desire to be free and to see her children free. The cruelty of slavery is never depicted or mentioned, except when Chamberlain expresses his willingness to sacrifice his life and his brother's life to end it.

Despite these problems, the film does depict the deeply held faith which motivated both sides to both heroism and bloody ruthlessness. Jackson's complex personality serves as the primary example of these warring forces. He is tender with a small girl and weeps bitterly at her death, even as he faces war's massive carnage with dry-eyed calm. When a dying a comrade tells Jackson that he is an unbeliever, the general gently says, "Then I will believe for us both" and remains at his side. But Jackson frequently speaks of the need for utter ruthlessness on the battlefield and says the only strategy is to "kill them all."

A powerful moment comes during the disastrous Union assault at Fredericksburg when Irish brigades on both sides clash. Each is convinced of the righteousness of their cause, and each fights with rage and grief. At one point the rebels tearfully cheer their opponents' valor even as they annihilate them. (This really did happen.)

The film shows that faith is like nitro-glycerin. It can be used to destroy in explosive violence, and it can be used to heal and save as a heart medicine. Both sides use their sincerely held faith for inspiration to war on one another. The message is that faith is not necessarily a good in itself. The question we must ask is whether our faith is rightly placed or not?

Sadly, these characters, for all their genuine nobility and sincerity, do not do so.

Faith without humility can also lead us to invoke the name of God in our holy causes, and then do some dreadfully unholy things.
Robert C. Morwell
Quincy, IL

Review
Charity Bishop

"The duty is ours; the consequences belong to God."
- Stonewall Jackson

The mainstream critics have a lot of complaints against this film. It's not hard to see why. Out of every film I have ever seen, there is no finer example of godly manhood than General Stonewall Jackson. Gods & Generals is the boldest, most touching and must fulfilling war epic to come out in a long time. It's not ultimately about the Civil War. It's about one man's journey of faith through wartime. What better lesson for our nation at this pivotal time in history than to walk in the shoes of General Jackson. Every man or woman who wants to be all they can be should see Gods & Generals.

I've never seen such a masterpiece, an epic undertaking. There hasn't been a movie this religious to come out of Hollywood ever. We learn to love and respect Stonewall Jackson as we follow his distinguished career borne out of devotion for the cause. As a Christian, even coming from a steadfast Yankee background, I found myself ardently admiring Jackson, Lee, and other confederates... primarily for their faith in God. The film revolves heavily around prayer, scripture, and discussions on life and death. Jackson reads a passage of scripture with his wife before departing for war. On her birthday (also, consequently, the first day of battle, and a Sunday) he goes out into a field early in the morning and prays deeply for her, as well as pledging that should it be God's will that he 'come home' (die) on that day, he is ready and willing.

It's touching to witness Jackson's sorrows and joys. He joyfully thanks God when the news comes that his wife has been blessed with a healthy baby girl. He runs to meet the train bringing them south during a rare peacetime. He befriends a little girl whose daddy has gone off to war (arguably the film's most touching scenes) and weeps deeply for his fallen comrades after a personal tragedy. His wife is also deeply faithful and godly. She tells him that they have no reason to fear... for they serve a loving God. When faced with the possibility of her husband's death, she wills his spirit to her heavenly father. The Yankees also show some religious leanings, but not as deeply as the Southern generals. Intermingled with the battles and lengthy patches of meaningful dialogue are moving speeches about slavery, war, fighting for what one believes in, and occasional poetry. The courage is mounted by not only the armies, but the families of the soldiers forced to flee their homes, even a Negro woman determined to protect her mistress' plantation. 'I was born a slave,' she says. 'I love the family who lives here. But I want to die free.'

It could be argued that the film is a little one-sided, and to some extent, it is. It does, after all, revolve around the life of Stonewall Jackson. We have to remember that this is part one of a three-part trilogy, which begins with Gods & Generals, is followed by Gettysburg, and ends with the final chapter, no doubt which will highlight the Union soldiers. But as it stands, if you want a glimpse into what life was like during the Civil War era -- from the ideas of morality, faith, and honor to the politics, mindset, and challenges faced by each army -- this is an ideal choice. The casting is brilliant. The costuming and cinematography are precise.

The dialogue is gorgeous.

Yes, it is too long and I did glance at my watch a couple times during lengthy battle sequences. But the wealth of the film's deeper aspects, including the shame I felt for my own pale faith in comparison to those who have come before me, make Gods & Generals a journey which any American and every Christian should take, no matter what their background.

Review
Joel Greene

What is the truth of the Civil War? What did it all mean and what were we really fighting for? It seems as though we are not too sure. What is the truth about slavery and independence? Stonewall Jackson shows a side of the south that we have never really seen. It seems as though in many classes in the public school we seem to see that there are times that we are not taught about. When he prays with Jim, a humble searching for freedom slave it shows a part of the war and history that doesn?t come in the classroom. Were did this amazing prayer warier come from? Stonewall because of his faith that he would not give away from. Always praying and focusing on the truth. So many Christian men fighting for their beliefs, but killing their brothers. When we see two men from opposite sides sharing tobacco and coffee the silence in the middle of the rive shows the only true time of peace in the 4 hours. Beautifully done! Chamberlain from one side and Jackson on the other, both for the ministry and fighting each other. I?ll bet that they had a wonderful time when they met in heaven. The ministry that these two men showed in the war is something of wonder and hope that all of these men needed. If Jackson had not died then the war may have been different but he was ready for Gods timing all the time.

Jackson showed somewhat a major re telling of the Gospel. He portrayed many characteristics of Christ but the best part is that he is not a made up character. He weeps for the girl and his men as Jesus did for Lazarus. Comforts his men and makes disciples who will follow him no matter what. Chamberlain explains how slavery is not necessarily the real issue but did become a part of it. Where in the Bible does it say that slavery is so bad? Now slavery has taken its toll but when Jesus or Paul talk about slavery it is that the slave must obey his master and master be good to your slave as the Church should submit to Christ. This is wonderfully shown in this movie and a part of the south that we seem to miss. Jackson and Jim pray together, and the woman whose slave save her house and then later it is turned into a medical facility. But this is how it should be granted it is better for all now that slavery is no longer part of the American world.

This movie also had the best lave story that I have ever seen. There is something that attracts me to a real Christian marriage and is not shown in most movies today. I am disgusted with movies that treat love and sex like it is some kind of juice that can be had or thrown away at any time. ?Gods and Generals? showed love and marriage relationships in a new way that sadly shouldn?t be so new. The supportive wives that shared love for God and country were truly women who feared God. These were that women that kept hope and strength for their sons, husbands, and fathers back home. This is a movie that every American and Christian should see. In the title, ?Gods? was truly singular.

Review
Cameron Quinn

I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised when I saw Gods and Generals.

War films have never been my cup of tea, and the length of this prequel to Gettysburg was intimidating to say the least. However, it was not long before I was intrigued by the numerous instances of dramatic dialogues, monologues, and soliloquies. These characters were not bloodthirsty warmongers, but passionate pursuers of a world of freedom.

The movie introduces Chamberlain, although he is not an important military figure until Gettysburg, in order to provide the Northern ?character?. The definition of freedom and democracy being challenged by slavery was expertly woven in with his teaching career and decision to join the war effort. When he broke the news to his wife, they shared their hopes and fears, among which Anna told of her dream. It featured a poem by Richard Lovelace that they both knew by heart, and he recited it in contemplation:

Tell me not (Sweet) I am unkind,
...That from the nunnery
Of thy chaste breast and quiet mind,
...To war and arms I fly.
True, a new mistress now I chase,
...The first foe in the field;
And with a stronger faith embrace
...A sword, a horse, a shield.
Yet this inconstancy is such,
...As you too shall adore;
I could not love thee (Dear) so much,
...Loved I not honour more.

Chamberlain and his wife shared a touching moment which represented the shattered homes and broken hearts left by every man who left to fight for his country.

The most character development was focused around the Southern general, ?Stonewall? Jackson. His unfailing faith in God is one of the strongest focuses in the entire movie. Everything from bonding with a former slave to writing his battle reports revolves around the Bible. The belief that God had a plan for everyone?s life and death was the source of the most powerful bravery. One event stands out to me in the development of Jackson. He passes through the holiday season without meeting his newborn daughter, but ?adopts? the daughter of a fellow resident ? who is missing her father - and plays with her until the army leaves. As a parting gift, he carves her another angel for the tree, (they met when the little girl was showing off the Christmas tree decorations). Sadly ? though expectedly ? she dies of Scarlet fever. ?Stonewall? Jackson breaks down upon learning this; in front of his troops. His soldiers question why, after meeting the deaths of his comrades and the bloody battlefields with dry eyes, he cries over the death of a girl he had just met. One quietly replies that he is crying for them all, right now. To see a man cry never fails to wring out my heart, and the irony that the one person who should be safe among all of the fighting and death is taken by a disease is painfully moving.

My only complaint regarding this movie pertains to the portrayal of the war itself. The battle scenes were painfully unrealistic and hokey. I was thankful for the lack of blood and gore, but it would have been nice to coordinate the explosions and the randomly falling soldiers. The computer animation in the background was HORENDOUS. A junior high student in a short day?s work could have added the two-dimensional explosion that popped up randomly in the background, (yes, only ONE explosion used repeatedly). It would have been much better just to cut those out and have fewer explosions. The battle scenes were also too long because they lacked any type of variety. I can only watch the same extras fling themselves on the ground, (from different camera angles!) so many times.

None the less, I made it through these tedious scenes on the knowledge that another awe-inspiring, thought provoking, or heart wrenching would soon follow. I enjoyed the unbiased view of both sides; a fresh departure from the multitude of pro-North novels that I have had to read, the movie portrayed the characters on both sides as heroes. The movie gave me a better understanding of the mood behind the Civil War, but will also help me to remember key events and facts that would normally become muddled in my mind. Over all, I greatly enjoyed Gods and Generals as an educational and entertaining experience. -Cameron

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