Glossing Over the Major Sore Spot
Aside from mistakes like depicting the 20th Maine regiment proceeding without supporting forces and the flags used by the Irish troops, there is a much more serious omission from Gods and Generals. The film has been criticized for its Southern perspective, and more damning, its treatment of the slavery issue. First, the issue of slavery, so central to the Civil War itself, is glossed over. Slaves are shown as well treated, friends if not almost family, overlooking the nature of slavery itself.
The film doesn’t dwell on the role of slavery in the secession of the Confederate states, nor the complexities of sentiment about slavery by the very soldiers in both armies. While a single film could not cover all the complications of the issue, some time spent on spirituality might have been spent reflecting on these issues.
