Best Civil War Films On Memorial Day

myFiveBest Civil War MoviesThe American Civil War (1861-1865) was a dark time in our history.  The Union army versus the Confederate army - all Americans - struggling in mortal combat with one another over the issue of slavery and each others way of life.  While the war didn't happen in our lifetime, its final outcome still affects our lives today.  As a way of remembrance, we have books and movies to tell the tale of what happened.  The movies, which this list is comprised of, may not be wholly true, but they do give you a sense of what was going on at the time.  Many movies have been made on the Civil War, but these movies make up my favorite list of the War Between The States.

Gettysburg

GETTYSBURG (1993)

This is one of my favorite Civil War movies. It is over 4 hours in length and is comprised of an all-star cast. For the South, Martin Sheen plays General Robert E. Lee andTom Berenger (General James Longstreet). On the North, Jeff Daniels (Col. Joshua Chamberlain) and Sam Eliot (General John Buford). Additionally, there is also a cast of - literally - thousands of other actors. The battle, which lasted 3 days, was the turning point of the Civil War and this movie portrays it in exacting detail.

Glory

GLORY (1989)

This movie, starring Matthew Broderick, is about the 54th Massachusetts Volunteers - the first official all-African American unit in the Civil War. Broderick plays their commanding officer, Colonel Robert Gould Shaw. The movie also includes: Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, and Cary Elwes. While a Civil War film, it also deals with racism, a struggle for acceptance, and heroism. This is a film that gives you a good look on how people were treated at the time.

Cold Mountain

COLD MOUNTAIN (2003)

While not one of the best remembered Civil War films, Cold Mountain had some really great acting in it. It's a romantic film set in 1864 towards the end of the war. A wounded, Southern deserter (Jude Law) is on his way home to find his love (Nichole Kidman). The film also includes: Renee Zellweger (in a fantastic performance), Philip Seymour Hoffman, Natalie Portman, Ray Winstone, and Donald Sutherland.

Gone With The Wind

GONE WITH THE WIND (1939)

This film might not make your list because most people look at it as a love story rather than a war film. While there aren't many (any?) action scenes in the film, it is ALL about the feelings of the people during the Civil War. The film won ten Academy Awards and is considered one of the greatest films in cinematic history. It may be old, but don't count it out!

Red Badge of Courage

RED BADGE OF COURAGE (1951)

This film is based on the classic book with the same name by Stephen Crane. It's about a young Union soldier who flees his first combat and then yearns to redeem himself by being wounded - getting a "red badge of courage". This 1951 film was directed by John Houston and starred real life hero, Audie Murphy.

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