The film was not well received by critics, in fact it was ridiculed by most. It wasn’t seen as following the original book, was still too long, and many did not like its “Southern sympathies.” It may also have been in part due to its overt representation of Jackson’s strong Christian faith, which was surprising being fully financed ($65 million) by non-believer Ted Turner. As with his earlier films taken from the Bible (Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, etc.), Turner strove to be true to character and text.

Despite its negative reviews this film helped me to understand much about the Civil War that had alluded me, especially as it presented the South’s perspective and patriotism of which I was fairly ignorant.

The Constitutional aspects of the South’s position were particularly eye-opening. They saw the war as a “Second War of Independence” for the Southern States, as Constitutional State’s Rights were violated by the Federal Government to preserve the Union! It was probably this film that inspired me to actually study our amazing founding documents.

It’s a long film, over three hours, but as a Christian I found the history and characterizations rich and riviting and worth every moment for what I gleaned from it. (I hope to watch the five hour director’s cut sometime!)