Gods
and Generals, the epic screen adaptation of Jeff
Shaara's heralded best-selling novel, is a dramatic look back at the
Civil War - America's bloodiest conflict, in which more than 620,000
lives were lost. A prequel to the acclaimed screen drama Gettysburg,
also directed by Ron Maxwell, the film is based on events that are
sweeping in scope and made all the more compelling by the human-scaled
drama it depicts. A moving portrayal of a nation divided, Gods and
Generals begins in early 1861 and continues through 1863, climaxing
with the stunning Battle of Chancellorsville.
The film illuminates heroes from both sides of the war, such as
Colonel Joshua Chamberlain (JEFF DANIELS), a professor at Maine's
Bowdoin College who gave up a promising academic career to enlist in
the Union army, then went on to become one of the North's finest
military leaders; Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee (ROBERT DUVALL),
a distinguished 25-year veteran of the United States Army and native
Virginian, forced to choose between allegiance to his country and
loyalty to his home state; and Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson (STEPHEN
LANG), a devoutly religious man whose faith and courage and audacity
made him an outstanding soldier and Lee's most trusted lieutenant.
The tremendous suffering and bravery of the Civil War was not confined
to the battlefields. Gods and Generals also tells the story of the
wives and families who were forced to assume responsibility at home,
often in cities under direct attack from the opposition. Joshua
Chamberlain's wife Fanny (MIRA SORVINO), Thomas Jackson's wife Anna
(KALI ROCHA) and Jane Beale (MIA DILLON), whose family was caught in
the Battle of Fredericksburg, reflect the spirit, courage and anxiety
of those who were left behind.
Encompassing 158 speaking roles and thousands of battlefield
"re-enactors," Gods and Generals vividly brings to life not only the
Civil War's legendary leaders, but also the legions of anonymous
soldiers and citizens who fought passionately and courageously for
their vision of freedom.
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