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icebreaker41
Reviews
Gods and Generals (2003)
A joy to behold. They still make good films.....
This is a film that will be viewed and treasured on DVD (and future formats!) for many years to come, long after other 'Box Office Success' films have withered and disappeared. It's a slow-burning classic and people will look at it increasingly and say "That's how to make a great historical epic". It's hard to condense the ACW up until Gettysburg into any film, they did the best they could. I've seen it three times now and it gets better every time - each time I see something new. This time I spotted (among other things) the shot of the White House with it's incomplete roof (as it was during the ACW) - that's an example of the film's attention to detail. It's easy to be a knocker and find something to criticise in the film - but take a step back and look at the whole thing - get a taste of the Civil War - one of the most fascinating historical periods - period!
The Hunley (1999)
Superb historical drama - 10 out of 10. See it!
If you're an American Civil War buff (or not) you should see this film. The sets, uniforms etc are superb for a TV movie - better than some huge budget films - how did they do it! The submarine appears to an actual working metal sub - it probably isn't but that's the power of good set design. The drama is also enthralling, some very disturbing scenes you won't forget for a while - this was a brutal war and nothing is papered over to protect the viewer. The acting is what stands out though, Armand Assante is a revelation as the haunted Confederate Officer going through the motions of the war, hardly focusing on what he's fighting for anymore. Donald Sutherland adds weight of course, but the lesser known actors are the real surprise. At times you actually think you're there in 1864, it grips you and keeps you there until the end. My only criticism - where Oh where is the DVD!!?