Poster for Gods and Generals

Gods and Generals (2003) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Follows the personal and professional life of Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson, a brilliant if eccentric Confederate general, from the outbreak of the American Civil War until its halfway point.

Rated PG-13 • 2003 • 3h 39m

6.4
100+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
13+

Gods and Generals received its PG-13 rating primarily for its sustained, large-scale Civil War battle sequences. The film depicts the first two years of the war through the eyes of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson and is very long, at over three and a half hours. Parents should be aware of frequent, intense, and sometimes bloody war violence, including shootings, bayonetings, and cannon fire. There are also disturbing images of… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Stephen Lang
Stephen Lang
Jeff Daniels
Jeff Daniels
Robert Duvall
Robert Duvall
Kevin Conway
Kevin Conway
C. Thomas Howell
C. Thomas Howell
Jeremy London
Jeremy London
Matt Letscher
Matt Letscher
BM
Brian Mallon
BB
Bo Brinkman
Bruce Boxleitner
Bruce Boxleitner
William Sanderson
William Sanderson
Billy Campbell
Billy Campbell
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Is Gods and Generals appropriate for kids?

Gods and Generals received its PG-13 rating primarily for its sustained, large-scale Civil War battle sequences. The film depicts the first two years of the war through the eyes of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson and is very long, at over three and a half hours. Parents… Read more — free account

Content severity in Gods and Generals

Sex Mild 2/10
Violence Intense 8/10
Language Mild 2/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Intense 8/10

What happens in Gods and Generals, moment by moment

  1. 0:15 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
  2. 0:25 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
  3. 0:45 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
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Sex and nudity in Gods and Generals

Sexual content is very light. There are a few scenes of married couples kissing, sometimes passionately. In one scene, a stage performer wears a dress that reveals some cleavage. There is no nudity or sexual dialogue.

Violence and gore in Gods and Generals

The film contains sustained and intense battle sequences. These include massive volleys of musket and cannon fire, with many soldiers being shot and falling. Some scenes show hand-to-hand combat with bayonets or rifle butts. A few moments are more graphic, including a field hospital scene with bloody amputations, a soldier shown with a missing arm, and a brief close-up on a dead soldier with a bloody eye socket. A main character is accidentally shot by his own men.

Language in Gods and Generals

Language is mild and infrequent. The words "damn" and "hell" are used a few times, mostly in the heat of battle. Exclamations like "Good Lord" and "by God" are also heard.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Gods and Generals

There is some period-appropriate drinking and smoking. Officers are occasionally seen drinking whiskey or brandy and smoking pipes or cigars in social settings or in their tents. There is no depiction of drunkenness or substance abuse.

Mature themes in Gods and Generals

The film's primary themes involve the immense human cost of war, duty, faith, and the political and personal conflicts of the Civil War. It depicts the grief of leaders over their fallen soldiers, the anguish of men fighting their own countrymen, and the death of major characters. A general mourns the death of a young girl from scarlet fever. The historical context includes themes of secession and slavery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gods and Generals appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Gods and Generals is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Gods and Generals received its PG-13 rating primarily for its sustained, large-scale Civil War battle sequences. The film depicts the first two years of the war through the eyes of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson…

What age rating does Gods and Generals have?

Gods and Generals is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Gods and Generals about?

Gods and Generals received its PG-13 rating primarily for its sustained, large-scale Civil War battle sequences. The film depicts the first two years of the war through the eyes of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson and is very long, at over three and a half hours. Parents should be aware of frequent, intense, and…

Is there sex or nudity in Gods and Generals?

Sexual content is very light. There are a few scenes of married couples kissing, sometimes passionately. In one scene, a stage performer wears a dress that reveals some cleavage. There is no nudity or sexual dialogue.

How violent is Gods and Generals?

The film contains sustained and intense battle sequences. These include massive volleys of musket and cannon fire, with many soldiers being shot and falling. Some scenes show hand-to-hand combat with bayonets or rifle butts. A few moments are more graphic…

Is the language in Gods and Generals appropriate for kids?

Language is mild and infrequent. The words "damn" and "hell" are used a few times, mostly in the heat of battle. Exclamations like "Good Lord" and "by God" are also heard.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Gods and Generals?

There is some period-appropriate drinking and smoking. Officers are occasionally seen drinking whiskey or brandy and smoking pipes or cigars in social settings or in their tents. There is no depiction of drunkenness or substance abuse.

What mature themes appear in Gods and Generals?

The film's primary themes involve the immense human cost of war, duty, faith, and the political and personal conflicts of the Civil War. It depicts the grief of leaders over their fallen soldiers, the anguish of men fighting their own countrymen, and the…

How long is Gods and Generals?

Gods and Generals runs 219 minutes, directed by Ronald F. Maxwell, released in 2003.

Where can I read the full Gods and Generals parent guide?

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