Great Classroom Resource

Rating: 10/10 (6 May 2016)

I have shown this film for years. Being a veteran, being a history teacher, and having an interest in gender performance, I watch this film from several perspectives. The creation of masculinity in the film is a safe window, distant from our modern wars and lives, but the similarities are striking. The racism amongst the black soldiers, between Union soldiers, and the layers: A great conversation starter and ender. What a wonderful piece of work. This movie is wasted on those that don't have the background knowledge to properly dissect it. The scene about getting off his high horse. . . Awesomely powerful. This is not just a piece of history, but a reflection on the post Vietnam quest to define American masculinity. Do not miss the opportunity to watch this, and rewatch this, and rewatch this.