Gods and Generals MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +4 Content: +1

A prequel to the movie Gettysburg, Gods and Generals is an adaptation of Jeff Shaaras best-selling novel about the bloodiest war in our nations history, the Civil War. The 3_-hour historic drama begins in 1861 and ends in 1863 with the Battle of Chancellorsville, where Stonewall Jackson was mortally wounded by his own soldiers. Colonel Joshua Chamberlain (Jeff Daniels) is a successful college professor who volunteers as a soldier for the Union Army. Robert E. Lee (Robert Duvall), aristocratic leader of the Confederate Army, must decide between faithfulness to his country and favoritism toward his home state, Virginia. Thomas Stonewall Jackson (Stephen Lang), a great Confederate leader, is a Christian who demonstrates faith and courage. This film wonderfully portrays both sides of the war. Gods and Generals goes beyond the battles to show the courage and anxiety of the strong women who supported the soldiers: Fanny Chamberlain (Mira Sorvino), Anna Jackson (Kali Rocha) and Jane Beale (Mia Dillon).

Preview recommends Gods and Generals, but there are a few instances of objectionable elements: some mild crude language, tobacco use and violence. The battle scenes are not particularly bloody but do include an occasional disembodied arm and a close-up of a mans head without an eye. There is a scene where some deserters of the Confederate Army are court-marshaled and killed by a firing squad. In a particularly frightening scene, women and children are shown running for their lives when Union soldiers arrive in Fredericksburg. However, throughout the film, strong Christian content is displayed, primarily by Stonewall Jackson who continually seeks the Lord for guidance, praying out loud. Gods and Generals is a must-see film.

Preview Reviewer: Lynn Nusser
Distributor: Warner Brothers