WARNING (under 17 not permitted to read without parental consent)

Believe it or not, the film shows overt depictions of Bible reading, citation and prayer! It also dares to show Christianity and marriage in a positive light!! Oh my God!!!

"Gods and Generals" is the prequel to "Gettysburg" (1993) detailing the battles of First Bull Run, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, which are largely viewed through the lens of Stonewall Jackson (Stephan Lang) on the Confederate side and the Chamberlain brothers (Jeff Daniels and C. Thomas Howell) of Maine on the Union side. Also on hand is, of course, Robert E. Lee, played by Robert Duvall, who does a more engaging portrayal than Martin Sheen in "Gettysburg."

The film starts off slow and builds momentum. By contrast, "Gettysburg" started off slower and didn't really became engaging beyond the episodes of Little Round Top and Pickett's Charge.

Where "Gods and Generals" really pulled me in was the battle scenes of Fredericksburg and the aftermath. It showed how Civil War troops were required to march, shoot & reload in formation while rifles and cannons are blasting their way. The Chamberlain brothers had to sleep on the battlefield that night. Imagine sleeping amongst all those dead bodies and dying, moaning soldiers! This was very well done.

There are quite a few other great scenes, like the Yankee and Reb soldiers meeting in the middle of the river to exchange coffee for tobacco; the execution of three deserters; and the "perfect battle" for the Confederates at Chancellorsville where General Lee, with a much smaller force, takes the risk of dividing his army and executing a surprise attack. Unfortunately for the Confederates they won at a huge cost as General Lee loses his "right arm" to friendly fire.