The "Gods and Generals" Breakdown: Part 2: 1862 / Reel History

[@Frankensteins_Highboy]

When I was doing civil war reenacting, a guy I knew referred to God's and Generals as 'Passion of the Stonewall'

[@ReelHistory]

Ha ha!

[@13bravo72]

When I was a reenactor at that time, alot of us referred to it as Gag.. I saw the movie, and to be quite honest, didn't care for it.

[@ReelHistory]

@@13bravo72, we have a funny story about reenactors when the film debuted. Stay tuned for episode 3.

[@13bravo72]

@@ReelHistory that sounds great!

[@MetroplexAerials]

The irony is that for those who are more aligned with his beliefs, there are a number of inconsistencies. For instance, it is unlikely that a Presbyterian Calvinist would say that he would have faith for another.

[@50TNCSA]

I'm just upset that we never have a film about the western theater no talk of ft Donelson, shiloh, or Vicksburg no talk of Murfreesboro which in my opinion played much more of a role to federal victory than the Eastern theater

[@Lonovavir]

The Western front always gets overlooked, it would be great to get a George Thomas or Army of the Cumberland film.

[@goodman4966]

​@@Lonovavirindeed

[@grumblesa10]

Indeed, in many ways Vicksburg was a more important victory than Gettysburg in that the strategic impact of severing the Mississippi crippled CSA access to the resources of MO, AR, and especially TX...

[@ReelHistory]

50TH, we agree! We always thought Russell Crowe would play a good George Henry Thomas!

[@50TNCSA]

@@ReelHistory henry thomas or sherman and i could tatally see Christian bale doing Cleburne

[@viewergreg]

You're absolutely right about the camp scene that was filmed on 9-11. I was one of the reenactors in that scene (at 1:14 I'm in the middle of the screen, second row with a beige top hat), and I remember how surreal it was to get the news. We didn't have any televisions nearby and smart phones really weren't a thing yet, so we couldn't watch it unfold like the rest of the nation. When they halted filming and shuttled us back to camp for a while, we were all listening to the radio in the shuttle bus to hear as much as we could. Later, Ron Maxwell announced to everyone that filming would resume because the goal of terrorists was to disrupt life, and we shouldn't let them win. But there was definitely an unsettling mood after that.

[@brunneng38]

Damn. I can’t imagine the apprehension you guys must have been going through.

[@tomjones5650]

he'll to the no.

[@nostrebornod]

"A Thomas Kinkade Confederate Christmas Carol". I nearly spit out my water on that one, I loved it!

[@ReelHistory]

I don't claim to be a funny person, but I did enjoy declaring that one-liner!

[@malafunkshun8086]

11:43 A very important part of your film review, Jared. This is where Gods and Generals steps outside the powerful war story that it (mostly) succeeds in telling into an extremely controversial subject, not only of the American Civil War but of American history in general. Even though I am a Pacific Islander, I can sympathize a great deal with the character of “Jim.” My grandfather enlisted in the U.S. Navy before December 7th (he also directly witnessed the Japanese attack). Because the U.S. Navy was racially segregated at the time, my grandfather was only allowed to enlist as a mess attendant. Nevertheless, he rose through the ranks of the Navy, retiring at Master Chief after serving in WW2 and Korea. My grandfather, along with other young Chamoru men from the island of Guam, could only serve as cooks and attendants in the Navy. Like Jim. My grandfather never lamented about this situation, however. He made the best life that he could for my mother and her family. And he did well, better than many other Chamoru families did on Guam during and after the War. And, like most other Chamoru men who have served - and still serve - in the U.S. military, he remained loyal to the United States, despite the racism that forced him to enlist as a servant. The Navy at that time believed that my grandfather and his people were only capable of menial labor. This scene from Gods and Generals, as touching as it may be on the surface, not only obscures slavery. It obscures race and racism. And in doing so, Ron Maxwell - intentionally or not - reinforces the racial narratives that America continues to struggle with to this very day. That is why I find this particular scene to be one of the most controversial of the entire film. My grandfather fought for this country, not only out of duty but also so that he and his family could live a better life. In the words of one of the other black characters in Gods and Generals, “I was born a slave. But I wants to die free.” The tragedy of Gods and Generals is that Ron undermines this powerful message by sanitizing both slavery and race. That is one of my biggest criticisms of this film. Aloha 🇺🇸🙏🏼

[@jamesgoode2408]

Great comment. Thanks for sharing!

[@AlecFlackie]

Jared where have you been in my life? I am fascinated by your analysis of the historic details behind films. You're not only detailed but balanced and I really have enjoyed the videos I have viewed so far.

[@ReelHistory]

Thanks for visiting! Please subscribe!

[@christopherquinn5899]

It's great to see a history video by a bona fide historian and not just someone claiming to be one some on KZbin. The opinions of professionals are worth considering. Thank you professor.

[@ImperialGeneral]

Ted Turner is an interesting person. You can really tell when he's dressed up as Colonel Patton he feels like he's living the dream of every 12 year old boy who ever fell in love with Civil War history. You really don't see his type of rich person anymore, being willing to just break even and potentially lose money to make things like Captain Planet to promote environmentalism or to fund films like Gettysburg and Gods and Generals to promote interest in history in general and his favorite historical topic in particular.

[@ReelHistory]

That is some great input. He is definitely a lover of history and cinema. Check out our video which includes conversation on his cameo in Gettysburg: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYurZYyva6iIr9k

[@zomboboy]

Gods and Generals is certainly not a good movie from a critical perspective, but there are still a lot of details that any Civil War buff can appreciate no matter what side you lean towards. Thank you for doing such a professional and unbiased critique of this film.

[@ricardoaguirre6126]

I'll probably watch the whole movie someday. Mostly because I want to see the Chamberlain brothers and Buster Kilrain onscreen again.

[@Wildwest89]

If you can sit through the directors cut overall it’s a better movie even with the revisionist history than the theatrical cut was

[@ReelHistory]

There are indeed lots of good material and technical details. Along those lines exclusively, it does better than most Civil War movies.

[@zomboboy]

@@ReelHistory I watched the extended edition last night, here are a few takeaways 1. I love the scene where Jackson acquires Little Sorrel, it was nice to see his B&O raid mentioned. Also I laughed like crazy at his comments about his quartermaster’s language to Sandie. 2. The meeting where Lee and his generals discuss the Maryland Campaign was also good, it was the closest that Lee came to showing any emotion. It’s unfortunate that Robert Duvall was not able to do more with the role, I think he could really could have brought Lee to life. They even got the general’s combover right too. 3. I can’t believe the fire by 9 drill scene with Colonel Ames was cut, that was a great one. In fact I think he is the best performance of the film overall, Matt Letscher did a superb job of putting this man on the map. 4. None of the JWB scenes were necessary, he had no relevance to anything happening at that point in the war. 5. Why did we need another scene of Jackson praying with his wife?

[@ReelHistory]

@@zomboboy, these are all valid comments! Thanks for sharing!

[@pinnedthrottle7690]

16:05 while that did happen, if you look at it from Uncle Dan’s perspective, the ground in front of him at Gettysburg raised just a tad higher than the surrounding ground at the peach orchard. It reminded him of his position at the battle of Chancellorsville that was similar in geography. Once he was ordered to retreat at Chancellorsville, confederate artillery took that position and waylaid his troops as they retreated. Granted Confederate artillery never advanced there at Gettysburg; but him moving forward had his troops run into Longstreet’s men and the resulting engagement slowed the confederate advance long enough for the union line on cemetery ridge to extend and little round top to be reinforced. This is what I have been able to conclude and while it may have a few holes in it, I think it’s the most plausible. Three cheers for Daniel Sickles, the hero of Gettysburg! Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah! -Reenactor White, Company C, 72nd NYSV, Third Regiment of the Excelsior Brigade, Army of the Potomac

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

Your conclusion and mine seem to match fairly well in regard to his reasoning, although I'm much more critical of Gen Sickles in that he left his III Corps in an unsupported position. No disrespect intended, and I hope you have a great day.

[@dickturpin1964]

@@eldorados_lost_searcher And Sickles stretched the length of his front by moving forward, leaving his troops spread too thin.

[@corycody6967]

I attended Officer Candidate School at Ft Indiantown Gap in 2003. We watched a portion of God’s and General’s toward the end of our 2nd phase. Our Staff Ride was to Gettysburg.

[@dougkimzey4518]

Excellent reviews. It is amazing how strongly The Civil War ignites passions to this day. As a Southerner, I can testify that many of the falsehoods that this film tries to promulgate are embraced by many Southerners today. There is no way to portray slavery as a somewhat benign and caring institution. There was nothing about slavery that was kind or benign. Beliefs that are provably wrong often carry more weight than facts. The legacy of the evil of slavery must never be forgotten or repeated at any level.

[@lawrencedockery9032]

At 35:26 - I believe Brian Pohanka also had a cameo in Gettysburg as General Webb accepting a slew of Confederate swords after Pickett's Charge.

[@ReelHistory]

Correct! Check out our videos on Gettysburg cameos! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYurZYyva6iIr9k

[@DrForester54]

I absolutely loved Pohanka. I used to watch Civil War Journal religiously back in the day. I loved his passion for the Zouaves! RIP Brian.

[@ReelHistory]

@@DrForester54, he was a national treasure.

[@DrTarrandProfessorFether]

The Rebs at Fredericksburg shouted “Malvern Hill, Malvern Hill” … the Rebs in the last 7 Days battles had 5,000 wounded/killed attacking Malvern Hill. During Pickets charge at Gettysburg, Union troops shouted “Fredericksburg! Fredericksburg!”

[@marknewton6984]

Union troops shouted, "Marye's Heights, Marye's Heights.!"

[@jediknight131]

I'm from Hagerstown, MD, and remember when, in college, the filmmakers where in town scouting and filming this film.

[@ReelHistory]

You may remember this story: ‘Gettysburg’ director settles debt to county By: Associated Press July 23, 2012 HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) - “Gettysburg” director Ron Maxwell has settled his 10-year-old debt to Washington County, where he filmed parts of the prequel, “Gods and Generals” The Herald-Mail of Hagerstown reported Monday that Maxwell’s film company has repaid only $298,000, but that the county considers the debt paid in full. A county spokeswoman says the county also has agreed to waive at least $80,000 in unpaid interest. Maxwell persuaded the county to loan him the money so he could start work on “The Last Full Measure.” That film would have completed a trilogy of Civil War movies, but was never made after the critical and commercial failure of “Gods and Generals.” Maxwell said last October that’s he’s confident he will someday finish his Civil War trilogy.

[@jimplummer4879]

Totally agree on the marching and drill aspect. I just joined a civil war reenactment group and attended my first drill. So much to learn.

[@Sloth53]

My take away from School of the Soldier, Make sure you are a number 2 so you are in the back most of the time, with someone in front of you on the firing line. lol

[@ReelHistory]

@@Sloth53, stacking rifles is always the part where I miss a step!

[@Sloth53]

@@ReelHistory Had zero Rhythm, so I spent marching hopping around to get back into sync

[@ReelHistory]

@@Sloth53, you are not alone!

[@Jermster_91]

My brother has become interested in genealogy and was doing some research and found that we had an ancestor that was at Fredericksburg, one in service of the Confederacy and one in service for the Union.

[@ReelHistory]

Fun fact: Jeff Daniels just found on on "Finding Your Roots" that he had ancestors fight at Fredericksburg and Gettysburg with the Iron Brigade!

[@stephicohu]

During the cease fire at Fredericksburg, the Southern troops were looting the Union dead for clothes, heavy winter wear and boots. You hear about the Union looting of the town but not the looting of the dead troops by the Confederates. The other thing to point out was even at this time in the war, the blockade was becoming very effective.

[@hangarflying]

I was a reenactor involved in the Bill Run battle sequences. We filmed that the week prior to 9/11. I got home on 9/9.

[@ReelHistory]

That is rather surreal.

[@ronaldringler1497]

Professor, Have you ever read "Rifles for Watie" by Harold Keith? It's a fictional account of the Civil War in the west, with the involvement of the Cherokee nation. Among other things, it describes meetings and exchanging of gifts between the pickets as you described in this episode. I read this book as a youth (back in the 1960's), and it's one of my favorites to this day.

[@ReelHistory]

Read it in sixth grade and still have fond memories!

[@thomasbrennan6303]

I've read Rifles for Watie on repeat for a year in high school, in the early 2000's. I loved it. It was my comfort zone, to sit in bed listening to music and re-reading it. Now, looking back, the book is obviously problematic in respects to the narrative it was presenting about the Confederacy (via Lucy Washburn and Jeff's Confederate comrades) but it was a product of its time in history, when much of Civil War literature for young adults was sympathetic to the Confederacy (Ghost Cadet, Shades of Gray etc). I will still always love Rifles for Watie.

[@jonathanhacker5025]

Today, I just stumbled onto your channel and your analysis of the movie. Like others you mentioned, I was disheartened that the incident of the Irish brigades was fictional. That was one of my favorite part of the movie. Anyway, as a park ranger your tours must have been incredible. Look forward to watching other reels! Thank you for doing this. I’ll ask my wife for a t-shirt for Christmas!

[@ReelHistory]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@Rob_F8F]

Great review. I watched your review after having watched Atun Shei's seminal review of this movie. I like your more historical perspective although your review lacked as much cursing as his! 😉

[@ReelHistory]

Perhaps more liquor should have been involved on our part!

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

​@@ReelHistory That, and either a serious case of multiple personalities or cloning.

[@Rob_F8F]

@@ReelHistory I think there is room under the "Drunk History" tent for a Pennsylvania professor. 👍

[@ReelHistory]

@@Rob_F8F, gotta be a good example for the students though!

[@SouthernGentleman]

Atun Shei is a Marxist revisionist that spreads the modern myth that all confederates were evil white slave owners

[@Jermster_91]

Surprised you didn't mention author Jeff Shaara's cameo appearance during the Bonnie Blue Flag segment as a moustached Confederate Officer. Interestingly, on CSPAN's In Depth with Jeff Shaara in 2003 , Jeff said that the production asked what scene he wanted to be in the film and responded where Ted Turner had his cameo because he knew that Ted Turner's cameo was never gonna get cut.

[@ReelHistory]

Good point! I must have been saying something else and neglected to mention the cameo!

[@CG87343]

If I’m not mistaken, didn’t Ted Turner do a cameo on that very same scene as a confederate officer?

[@ReelHistory]

@@CG87343, correct! We did mention him in this video, though we overlooked Shaara. In fact, Turner is wearing the exact same uniform he wore in "Gettysburg." He kept it.

[@BobCescaShow]

The G&G cover art with Stonewall in the distant background has a similar vibe as the Stillwater t-shirt from Almost Famous.

[@jeremymartinnfl2608]

You have missed the Battle of Antietam scenes from special edition version of the movie.

[@ReelHistory]

We didn't feel like making this a four-part series! Ha ha.

[@jeremymartinnfl2608]

@@ReelHistory Okay, I don't mind that but having Antietam in the movie makes sense but in the orther version there just three battles Manassas, Fredericksburg & Chancellorsville , besides the battles are the best parts of G&G (Gods & Generals). I have another good suggestion making a Top 10 video of your favorite war movies you love to watch based on your opinion. BTW, Happy Memorial Day!

[@michaelwalters1711]

Son, J. L. Chamberlain was a bad ass. The man was wounded at least 6 times over the course of the war, eventually causing his death in his old age, he received the CMOH, and was promoted to the Rank of Brigadier General. If that’s not the definition of bad ass, then I don’t know what the definition is.

[@TR00P]

Starting Monday off well. Congrats on 30K!

[@ReelHistory]

Yes! Thank you!

[@morgainedepolloc4161]

I want to see a film that accurately captures the Union actions of Sherman' s March to the Sea---through Georgia, the Carolinas. I wonder why no one has made a movie of that monumental and critical campaign? It is an important part of history. And I know the focus in this era has been to give "full account" and acknowledge all parts of US history.

[@alexmalone6773]

I agree. Also, a film of the realities of General Sheridan's campaign in the Shenandoah Valley would be good to see.

[@1rwjwith]

As I have said many times I like the BATTLE SCENES in this movie and absolutely nothing else…it is really bad when the battles are not going on.

[@ReelHistory]

We agree with that assessment.

[@grip4us]

@@ReelHistory having been part of the crew, the ability of RM to direct an intimate dialogue scene was zero (he could spend 14 hours on a simple scene) however he was very accomplished at the battle scenes (mostly due to the input of the director of photography). Maxwell was so in love with the words he lost the emotion.

[@ReelHistory]

@@grip4us, fascinating insight!

[@davidlounsberry4127]

As stonewall Jackson’s great x8 nephew I disagree. It’s not great, but I appreciate every moment he’s portrayed. His character was very accurately portrayed. A great man. Those who had his statue removed know nothing of the man or of history for that matter. It’s not as simple as “gray man bad, blue man good.”

[@ReelHistory]

@@davidlounsberry4127, some of your own family members disagree--and it is ok to disagree! Thanks for visiting. slate.com/news-and-politics/2017/08/stonewall-jacksons-grandsons-the-monuments-must-go.html

[@palmetej100]

This is a guilty pleasure movie for me. I know it's not very good but I still watch it probably once a year.

[@tsdobbi]

Im kind of the same way. I like historical films even if they are trash in terms of authenticity.

[@ryankeyes3101]

Even though the Battle of Fredericksburg was a disaster for the Union and lopsided. It was actually a day of firsts for the United States military it was the first time the US Army ever crossed a river under fire and it was the first time the US army ever fought in urban warfare.

[@goodman4966]

Isn't the first time the US army engaged in Urban combat is in the Mexican-American war was in the Battle of Monterey

[@ReelHistory]

They were certainly unaccustomed to that mode of combat.

[@ryankeyes3101]

@@ReelHistory i actually want to ask you do u believe that the story of Richard Kirkland is actually true or do u think he himself made it up?

[@ReelHistory]

@@ryankeyes3101, I believe that some version of the story happened. Here are two good articles on the issue, one short and one long: www.nps.gov/places/kirkland-memorial.htm cwmemory.com/2009/12/22/is-the-richard-kirkland-story-true/

[@ryankeyes3101]

@@ReelHistory thank you

[@13bravo72]

Good video! Thank you for reviewing it, and enduring! 😁At the time I was a reenactor, I did Federal, and was out of Florida, I really didn't care for it. We referred to this movie as 'Gag'. Even knew a few fellows who were extras in the movie.

[@mikehoffler4097]

So what you're saying is, all through the Civil War, Winfield Scott Hancock said: "I've got a bad feeling about this."

[@DamnItDylan]

When that music scene started, I could feel your exasperation. Another excellent review by you.

[@BradanKlauer-mn4mp]

Well, the 2nd South Carolina String Band is featured and I think their work is worth checking out.

[@jimw966]

This movie was just a chance for Stephen Lang, to take center stage after his scene stealing work in Gettysburg. Everything you have said so far is spot on. Just too much all around. Ted Turner is very romantic in his view of the South.

[@neilholmes8200]

Really liked how you put the film in the context of the time it was made, with the comments about 9/11 and so on

[@jedi772]

Despite the inaccuracies, this is one of my favorite films.

[@andrewvillers6447]

I would love to speak to this gentleman. Truly a fascinating source of knowledge

[@PremeTeamTX]

There's so much to agree with and a few fun tidbits I didn't know, but the full Fredericksburg movie take is probably one of the most wild takes I've ever heard.

[@ReelHistory]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@BigPerm47]

53:00. A Thomas Kinkade Confederate Christmas Carol. LOL Starring Candace Cameron Bure and Kevin Sorbo. Coming this winter on GAB. lol

[@nooneofconsequence1251]

I once spoke to Senator Byrd when his wife was in the hospital. I was working as a registrar in the emergency room at that hospital.

[@model-man7802]

1862 ? They completely left the 7 days out and the western theater completely. 😢

[@twalling]

I would LOVE to see you do one of these with Ken Burns' Civil War doc... in particular, I'd like to see you fact check Shelby Foote's stories.

[@zimmicks3170]

A note on narrative imbalance: Even the movie Gettysburg, if you take a moment to think about it, is biased in favor of the Virginian Army. If you look at the number of high ranking Generals depicted and how many lines of dialogue they have, you can clearly see Maxwell favors the South. Lee, Armistead, Longstreet, Pickett etc. have much more screen time and dialogue than the Potomac Army high ranking Generals. In fact, the only time we even SEE General George Meade is a single scene where he has just a few lines of dialogue at the end of Day 1. The rest of the film Meade is absent. Having said that, I will concede that perhaps Maxwell didn't have much to work with as far the "likeability" of Northern Generals. He even has a scene where a grizzled veteran of Maine lists his grievances against useless "Gentlemen Officers". We see no such sentiments shown by any Confederate soldier. In fact we really don't see any low-ranking Confederate soldier speak any ill at all against Confederate Officers.

[@donpietruk1517]

Which is of course mostly mythological. No portrayals of poor southern whites who volunteered for things like their state home guard because they didn't want to take up arms against the federal government. There was no mention of say unrest in Eastern Tennessee or Northern Arkansas where some strong pro union sentiment existed. The anger of many poor Southerners in regard to the 20 slave conscription exemption granted to richer plantation holders. But sure, the South was a monolithic cultural and society where everyone thought and felt the same.

[@LadyTylerBioRodriguez]

Sam Watkins basically shit talked every officer he served under. To act like its all as one is very silly.

[@strubdog]

Great episode! The scenes between Jackson and the little girl definitely caused me to tune out of this film. On a side note, have you guys tried to get an interview with Ron Maxwell to better understand his decisions regarding this film (also his thoughts on Gettysburg too).

[@davidkreutzer4778]

Mr Bird , lol's . Reminded me of the south park episode with Cartman as General Lee Wanted to say what else it reminded me of , but this isn't the channel for it .

[@ReelHistory]

Classic South Park.

[@gettysburgguy]

Good job, Andy!

[@dalerobinson8051]

You are right. The battles are the best part of the movie and really just about the only worthwhile parts! The flick is excessively long for no good reason. And you've explained why there has been no concluding segment. Would have liked to have seen the Mule Shoe dramatized--possibly the most horrific few hours in U.S. history.

[@DizzleFitzpizzle4eva]

Buster Kilrain never had to reload his rifle

[@batesBeckham]

I really enjoy learning from you

[@ReelHistory]

We enjoy you learning!

[@TheMisfitWanderer]

Fantastic, as always.

[@ReelHistory]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@drewster34]

In regards to balance, I read somewhere the original idea was that you’d view this film and the Last Full Measure as a whole and that film would showcase more of the Union side to balance it out. Might be true, might be urban legend. Either way it’s kind of a bad way to tell this story because each film has to be judged on its own merits and what if the other film never gets made? (Which seems to be the case) as Tony Stark said…”Not a good plan”

[@ReelHistory]

That is interesting. Never heard of that formula before.

[@Clonetrooper1139]

Fair enough, though we will never know, unless someone finances the project, what "The Last Full Measure" would have shown. That being said, we can only judge this film on it's own merits, as you say. Those merits are not great.

[@ReelHistory]

@@Clonetrooper1139, we suspect it will be a long time until a revival of Civil War films. There is just no market for it.

[@Clonetrooper1139]

@@ReelHistory True. I really do not see a Civil War feature being made, but perhaps a TV miniseries. Was it ever explained why there was a 10 year gap between films?

[@ReelHistory]

@@Clonetrooper1139, the novel "Gods and Generals" came out in 1997. The adaptation was filmed in 2001-2002 and the film came out in 2003--a fairly quick turnaround from novel to screen all things considered.

[@Blueboy0316]

Two guys I reenact with are standing behind Tom Chamberlain and Buster Kilrain as the 20th Main lines up.

[@Grant25]

I’ve always said they should’ve just picked one battle for this movie and expand it feature length. That would cut down on the speechifying, the slave stuff, and assorted other crap not in the source book. There would’ve been far more character development for the main guys just like gettysburg too.

[@ReelHistory]

Absolutely. Our thoughts exactly.

[@herrdwabash]

I couldn't stop laughing when you showed the SLOWED DOWN clip of the Irish Confederate soldiers yelling. They sounded like cows!!!

[@davemac1197]

Thank you for showing the worst bits in this segment. I see what you mean now! Excellent break down again.

[@ReelHistory]

Thanks, Dave! Always glad to have your company here!

[@JRCOBRA]

The Rome speech was my one of my favorite parts.

[@hokie7373]

O’reillys book is excellent I happened to run into him working at Chatham when I visited last spring

[@LittleMacscorner]

On a moral level, one of the things that always bothered me what Robert Lee getting upset about the shelling of Fredericksburg. HE was the one who turned it into a battleground, yet didn't seem to want to take responsibility for why it was shelled in the first place. It's pretty simple. Don't occupy the town with troops is you don't want it targeted by artillery. Especially troops that were so effective at contesting the river crossing.

[@ReelHistory]

Great point.

[@Stiglr]

I have always seen this movie, warts and all, as kind of a Jackson biopic. Needless to say, your plan of centering the movie around the Battle of Fredericksburg would not have done Stonewall's career justice. But then, even being a Jackson biopic, there was no time spent on his famed 1862 Valley Campaign, his "involvement" in the Peninsular Campaign of 1862, nor Cedar Mountain, nor Second Manassas, his other crowning achievement besides the Flank March of Chancellorsville.

[@amolinguas]

A Thomas Kinkade Confederate Christmas Carol 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂

[@ReelHistory]

We had a good chuckle over that in hindsight too. Thanks for visiting.

[@musicalDrebin]

Imagine if while they were singing the southern rights song they had just one shot of some slaves in the background. It could have made that much more bareable

[@musicalDrebin]

@ConfederateGeorgia yeah i guess you're right. slavery never happened. I must have drunk too much last night

[@musicalDrebin]

@ConfederateGeorgia WRONG! the electric guitar was invented by Motorhead's Lemmy, in 1874 right after pearl harbor

[@whbrown1862]

Another great video! Thank you!

[@douglasiles2024]

Not to take away anything from Patrick Gorman, who is a fine actor, but in 1862, Hood was only 31 years old. Even Gorman's casting in Gettysburg was out of place for a 32-year-old Hood.

[@aaronrowell6943]

Sad to hear the Irish brigade moment is not real but I agree that they probably should have just focused on this entire battle or just have it be about Jackson and include all of his battles such as the valley that they cut and they cut his actions in this Battle too God knows we needed more scenes with Stonewall Jackson and that little girl

[@ReelHistory]

The Battle of Fredericksburg had it all: unique combat, all the characters from the book, stunning courage on both sides, powerful dynamics about slavery--and this movie managed to bungle the story still.

[@aaronrowell6943]

@@ReelHistory yes it's bad when you could argue that gone with the wind had a more realistic portrayal of the slavery ha!

[@ReelHistory]

@@aaronrowell6943, yikes!

[@alanfike]

Harper's Ferry has delightful frozen custard. Ask a local, they'll tell you where to go. It's basically where the town merges together.

[@1rwjwith]

I still wish a film would be done of THE LAST FULL MEASURE but with a different director and DIFFERENT ACTORS…. They are too old now.for any of these two Maxwell films to be in it.

[@ReelHistory]

We sadly don't see any big Civil War films on the horizon. The failures of Free State of Jones and Emancipation help assure it.

[@ralphroshia9247]

Although I consider myself a fan of God's and Generals and I find that I like the Directors Cut better because we get The Battle of Antietam but we get more with the Chamberlain brothers I still think it could have been better how though and to ne there is two ways one way is to stick closer to the book I think they should keep it just about the War like it's predecessor Gettysburg but unlike you don't think it should just take Shaara's Fredericksburg section all 4 battles he covers should be the movie and it should be broken into parts so Part 1 Bull Run Part 2 Antietam Part 3 Fredericksburg and Part 4 Chancellorsville or the other way you make it better just make it bio pic of Stonewall Jackson and simply call the Movie Stonewall

[@actorstuntman]

The yelllow Mansion you haven't known twice is Claymont Mansion in Charles Town W.V. a hang out of John Mosby.

[@CG87343]

As with part 1, part 2 is also well done and overall an excellent review. I’ve said before the movie has flaws and is far from perfect, but I’ll be totally honest it’s one of my guilty pleasures. The director’s cut is Loooooonnnnggg but the scenes left out of the theatrical release I will admit are a lot of fun, such as the scenes with Booth, and the extended scenes in the 20th Maine camp. I fully acknowledge the flaws and agree with you, just saying I personally enjoy it.

[@christophers.4286]

I couldn't get over how they made John Bell Hood look like he was signed out of the retirement home for the film..When he was in reality only 31 at the time of Fredericksburg

[@Knightstruth]

One thing I hated about this movie was that every 10 minutes or so throughout the movie, everything gets put on pause while some Confederate General gives some wise or folksy speech whilst EVERYONE in earshot just stands there to witness it with this "Wow...." expression on their face. Like when that girl Jackson was weird about dies and Jackson breaks down crying and everybody just comes over and watches. And the guy watching is like "He's crying for all of them..." and the other guy gets that stupid "Wow...." look again. And you don't get that on the Union side. You pretty much just get Chamberlain droning on about Julius Ceasar and Roman Empires and that is REALLY what makes the movie have such a huge Confederate bias: Confederates go on and on about freedom and how terrible things would be if the union won and got their profits and how mean it is for the Fed to attack them for no reason. What do the Union guys think of it? Well they just make all these quotes about Ceaser. What do we take away from that? The US government is just like Rome trying to conquer and control everything. Well golly jee, I wonder who the badguys are supposed to be?

[@LittleMacscorner]

The crazy thing is..Burnsides plan COULD have worked....if had done more to ensure that the Army of the Potomac could have IMMEDIATELY crossed upon reaching the river north of Fredericksburg and not left the ENTIRE OPERATION dependent on a single point of failure: The pontoon bridges arriving at precicley the correct time. All indications were that his movements did initially catch Lee off guard.

[@geertdecoster5301]

As a fellow historian from Belgium with a rather vast war history interest, I can only applaud your brave and correct comments about the various crazy stuff inside this movie. It's very much like The Lost Cause is still with us. Strangely enough, I've disliked the movie from the start. When is there going be a similar long movie about Grant taking command of the war, or indeed crushing the KKK problem in 19th Century?

[@willerwin3201]

55:18 *OH MY LORD, JUST MAKE IT STOP* sums up my feelings watching this movie.

[@sandragarbauski509]

Took your homework idea literally and took out the book "Rebel Yell " from the local library. I'll let you know if it's good.

[@ReelHistory]

Please do!

[@karlmoles6530]

I enjoyed watching things like Hancock and Couch jousting with Burnside and Sumner about the need to occupy the heights. The actors were well cast I thought. It must have been immensely frustrating to commanders like Hancock, Sherman, Kearny, Griffin and some others who saw what had to be done to serve under such incompetent leadership that did not.

[@sartanawillpay7977]

The TBS movie "The Hunley" has a scene with Confederate officer Donald Sutherland leading an audience and orchestra singing "the Bonnie Blue Flag" . Ron Maxwell appreciated the scene enough to remake it in "Gods and Generals," or maybe Ted Turner really likes the song. The Hunley's setting for the performance is more dramatic. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5OQk5qCjp5podE In gods and Generals it is hard to take in a movie already far overbalanced in favor of pro Confederate views.

[@jasonmacias875]

I appreciate your balanced critique of the depiction on both sides here. Atun-Shei basically disregarded the depiction of looting by the Army of the Potomac. The Lost Cause interpretation is nonsense, but let's not pretend that Northern troops didnt do anything wrong.

[@ReelHistory]

This is fair!

[@marknewton6984]

Sherman

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

I've noticed since I first watched this in the theater that whenever the Beales are onscreen, the film just loses all momentum.

[@DavidInWroclaw]

I had to laugh when you said that this is "one long-ass movie," because I have the Director's Cut version. Now THAT is one long-ass movie!

[@BigRed0059]

Thanks for another good review.

[@ReelHistory]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@brentcollins6672]

Great video! I'm a new subscriber. I've always enjoyed war movies. I think Wake Island would be a good one to look at.

[@SRV2013]

Chamberlin's speech was not Shakespeare, but from the Roman poet Lacan.

[@sartanawillpay7977]

Lucan?

[@SRV2013]

@@sartanawillpay7977 Yes. Camberlian says this before the speech.

[@charlesphelps2730]

Great commentary. I like to hear your take on Ron Maxwell's " Copperheads".

[@ReelHistory]

It is likewise not without its historical problems, but the focus and storyline is certainly better. I actually attended the world premier of it in Gettysburg in 2013! -Jared

[@eddiev3052]

I would have preferred it if the film makers had included the Angel of Marye’s heights over the phony Irish scene with the confederates mooing. That didn’t happen. But, a single confederate soldier named Richard Kirkland jumping the stonewall and helping wounded federal soldiers did happen. It at least would have made the film a little better.

[@cleverusername9369]

35:46 I don't know if the sound was slowed down to avoid copyright issues, or if someone replaced the sound of the Confederate soldiers yelling with audio of what sounds like a herd of cattle mooing, but I like to think the latter because that's exactly what it sounds like 😆

[@ejatravels]

Hear hear - great review!

[@ReelHistory]

Thanks!

[@HistoryAdventures9263]

The only thing I see that you had something bad to say about this movie when it had to do with the southern parts. I love your videos

[@joshuabeaumont1219]

This movie (and I guess the book) missed a great opportunity to portray the 5th New York Zouaves’ famous stand at the battle of Second Manassas. My great (x3) grandfather and his brothers served in the 5th, and my great uncles were both killed in the fight.

[@mattsmithcantonga9652]

I am glad you pointed out Robert Byrd

[@TravisWhite-m3r]

55:14-55:22. Oh Lord just make it stop…😂😂😂 he nailed it… I laugh do hard every time I watch this…this wasn’t a movie but an agonizing mini-series of on going rhetoric 😖😖

[@twinsboy_3410]

Jared can you please start a groundswell to bring back the word “Strewn”. Please and thanks! 😂

[@roostercogburn101]

I have to agree with your comment on “Oratorical excess”… it was very cringy.

[@Fatherofheroesandheroines]

I was in the 1st Engineer Battalion in Fort Riley, Kansas. These were the very engineers that attempt to create this bridge. The clip where they build the bridge made many an engineer officer and soldier duck.

[@ReelHistory]

Very brave men, indeed.

[@alexanderh.5814]

52:55 sums up this movie perfectly

[@dannysunay4386]

Good show! Always entertaining! THOMAS KINCADE! HA! HA!😂😂

[@TimMcCurry-ue9kr]

Just a small correction, professor, soldiers were trained to load a rifle “by the nine count,” not “10” as you said. Just say’n.

[@brucewallace3860]

Excellent work - thank you! I truly appreciate your input on scenes I missed in this movie as I literally fell asleep - only to be awakened by the cacophony of battle.

[@ReelHistory]

You're very welcome!

[@googalacticgoo]

Elijah Hunt Rhodes. Any connection to the naming of his home state?

[@ReelHistory]

We are not sure about that, though it has a nice ring to it!