Unit 4 Extra Credit Movies

Movie Review Extra Credit Instuctions

"The Civil War", American Documentaries, Inc. / Kenneth Lauren Burns / Time-Life Video, 1990.

Directed by Ken Burns, voices Morgan Freeman, Jeremy Irons, Jason Robards, Sam Waterston.

This highly acclaimed mini series traces the course of the U.S. Civil War from the abolitionist movement through all the major battles to the death of President Lincoln and the beginnings of Reconstruction. The story is mostly told in the words of the participants themselves, through their diaries, letters, and Visuals are usually still photographs and illustrations of the time, and the soundtrack is likewise made up of war-era tunes played on period instruments. Several modern-day historians offer periodic comment and insight on the war's causes and events. Long? Yes. Good? Incredible.

Glory, TriStar Pictures, 1989, R . Directed by Edward Zwick, starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, Morgan Freeman.

The story of the Massachusetts 54^th regiment, the first African American regiment of the Civil War. One of my favorite movies of all time. It is rated R due to violence and language, but the movie is an excellent portrayal of the plight of African American soldiers and those who led them. You must have parent permission (a signature) to watch and review R rated movies!

Gettysburg, TriStar Television / Turner Pictures, 1993, PG. Directed by Ronald F. Maxwell, starring Martin Sheen, Tom Berenger, Sam Elliot, Jeff Daniels.

Based upon the novel 'The Killer Angels', this four and 1/4 hour depiction of the historical and personal events surrounding and including the decisive American Civil War battle features thousands of civil war re-enactors marching over the exact ground that the federal army and the army of North Virginia fought on. The defense of the Little Round Top and Pickett's Charge are highlighted in the actual three day battle which is surrounded by the speeches of the commanding officers and the personal reflections of the fighting men. While the movie is pretty long, it does have some great scenes in it!

Gods and Generals, TriStar Television / Turner Pictures, 2002, PG. Directed by Ronald F. Maxwell, starring Robert Duvall, Stephen Lang, Jeff Daniels.

Based upon the novel of the same name, this movie serves as a prequel to Gettysburg.  I was very excited to see it last year, and I nearly walked out of the theater.  It is too long (4+ hours), too boring (a ton of long speeches and not enough action), and it jumps over important aspects of the war. The focus is almost entirely on Stonewall Jackson and Joshua L. Chamberlain.  You will see some parts in class - and that may be all you need.

Ride with the Devil, , 1999, R. Directed by Ang Lee, starring Skeet Ulrich, Tobey Maguire, Jewel.

Jake Roedel and Jack Bull Chiles are friends in Missouri when the Civil War starts. Women and Blacks know their place. Jack Bull's dad is killed by Union soldiers, so the young men join the Bushwhackers, irregulars loyal to the South. One is a Black man, Daniel Holt, beholden to the man who bought his freedom. They skirmish then spend long hours hiding. Sue Lee, a young widow, brings them food. She and Jack Bull become lovers, and when he's grievously wounded, Jake escorts her south to a safe farm. The Bushwhackers, led by men set on revenge, make a raid into Kansas. At 19, Jake is ill at ease with war. As his friends die one after another, he must decide where honor lies. (from International Movie Database (www.imdb.com)

Andersonville, 1996, made for TV - directed by John Frankenheimer, starring Jarrod Emerick and Frederic Forrest

This film "... looks at the atrocities that occurred in the 1864 prisoner-of-war camp run by the Confederacy in Georgia. The prison originally planned to house 8000, eventually swelled to 33,000 which left little shelter, food or water for the prisoners and unclean conditions. (IMDB.com)  This movie makes you happy that you never were in a Civil War prisoner of war camp!

The Hunley, 1999, made for TV - directed by John Gray, starring AMrmand Assante and Donald Sutherland

"CSS Hunley tells the incredible true story of the crew of the manually propelled submarine CSS Hunley, during the siege of Charleston of 1864. It is a story of heroism in the face of adversity, the Hunley being the first submersible to sink an enemy boat in time of war. It also relates the human side of the story relating the uncommon and extaordinary temperament of the 9 men who led the Hunley into history and died valiantly accomplishing this feat." (IMDB.com)

Ironclads, 1991, made for TV - Directed by Delbert Mann, starring Alex Hyde White, Virginia Madsen, and Reed Diamond.

It's pretty much what you would expect - a movie about the Ironclads!  You may have to search to find it at the video store or the library, though.

"North and South" (1985)

Book I - The story of the friendship between two boys - George Hazard and Orry Main - that meet at West Point. George is from a wealthy Pennsylvania steel family and Orry is from a Southern plantation with slaves. In the years leading up to the Civil War their friendship is tested as their families interact and hostilities between the North and South increase.

Book II - The continuing saga of the Hazards and the Mains. The Hazards are from the North and the Mains from the South. George Hazard and Orry Main met at West Point and fought in the Spanish American war together becoming fast friends. Now they find themselves fighting on opposite sides of the Civil War and struggle to maintain their friendship through these troubled times.

This was a typical television miniseries based on John Jakes' best selling novel.

"The Day Lincoln was Shot" (1998). Directed by John Gray. Starring Rob Morrow and Lance Henriksen.

This made-for-TV movie chronicles the assassination of Abraham Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth.  It's a  pretty entertaining telling of the story!

Gone With the Wind (1939). Starring Clark Gable and Vivien Liegh

The classic tale of Scarlett O'Hara in Atlanta during the Civil War.  I'm sure your parents have seen it!

PBS has some excellent documentaries that are probably available at your local public library.  Each has a great companion website as well!  Try John Brown's Holy War, Reconstruction: The Second Civil War, The Time of the Lincolns , Ulysses S. Grant, and the last episode of Slavery and the Making of America

The History Channel shows Civil War shows weekly.  Consult their website for times and topics.