
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
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










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
What happens in Gods and Generals, moment by moment
- 0:15 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
- 0:25 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:45 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
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.
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?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
Parents also checked these movies for 13-year-olds
Sign up to filter
























Movies like Gods and Generals with similar intensity
Sign up to filterLess intense movies for families
Sign up to filter



















More drama movies with parent guides
- Interstellar parent guide
- Fight Club parent guide
- The Shawshank Redemption parent guide
- Forrest Gump parent guide
- Django Unchained parent guide
- Joker parent guide
- Titanic parent guide
- The Wolf of Wall Street parent guide
- Shutter Island parent guide
- The Dark Knight Rises parent guide
- Inglourious Basterds parent guide
- Inside Out parent guide
More movies with Bontent parent guides
- To the Wonder parent guide
- Science Fiction Volume One: The Osiris Child parent guide
- The Layover parent guide
- Ophelia parent guide
- Marvel One-Shot: All Hail the King parent guide
- Ruby Red parent guide
- Don't Worry, I'm Fine parent guide
- Them parent guide
- Friends with Money parent guide
- Those Happy Days parent guide
- The Night Before the Exams parent guide
- Scoop parent guide
- The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines parent guide
- Soul Kitchen parent guide
- Did You Hear About the Morgans? parent guide
- The First Beautiful Thing parent guide














