150 years after its end, the Civil War remains one of the most important events in American history. It has been depicted countless times in novels, paintings and on screen. Here are 12 of the best cinematic presentations of the war.
Gettysburg
Like the battle it depicts, Gettysburg (1993) is extraordinary in its scale and spectacle. Over four hours long, the film is entirely taken up with depicting the most famous battle of the war. For the first time, the National Park Service allowed film makers to shoot scenes of the Battle of Gettysburg on the battle site. Thousand of Civil War reenactors flocked to set to take part in the film, along with a big name cast that includes Tom Berenger and Martin Sheen. A must see for any fan of war films.
Gone With the Wind
Still remembered as an all time classic, Gone With the Wind (1939) was one of the biggest releases in the history of cinema. Delayed for years by problems with casting, script and direction, it was ground-breaking in its scale. Though its most spectacular depiction of war came in showing the Siege of Atlanta, its greater significance lies in its focus on the impact of war on the South. Though the depiction is one-sided, glossing over the horrors of slavery and the freedom granted to African-Americans by the war, it also shows the hardships the war brought for many southern whites.
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