The Civil War

I'm generally not that big on history (I prefer the present), but when the history comes alive so vividly by way of excellent editing, narration, music and interviews, how could I not be interested? Throughout my watching the series, I kept forgetting that 90% of the time the only things on screen were still photographies. I can only imagine the countless hours spent in the editing room, getting every little piece just right. 11 hours, and never the least bit dull, overdone or underdone.

There is nothing I can say about this that hasn't been said (Yes, I am officially on the Shelby Foote bandwagon) except that apparently EVERYONE in the 1860s was wittier than the wittiest person alive today.

By leaving in undefended and unchallenged quotes from Foote such as attributing the cause of the war to a failure to compromise, Burns does seem to want, not just to offer different perspectives, but to include a modern-day justification of the South's position. Despite strange moments of this kind, the series as a whole certainly makes plain the centrality of slavery in the events of the time, and is in general an exceedingly well put-together example of using television to reflect on history.

My Dearest Bub, here I sit after getting some wild bug up my butt over the American civil war. I must be getting on with age. I shall always be near you; in the gladdest days and in the darkest nights ... always, always, and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my farts.

A week or thee ago I realized I didn't really know anything about the Civil War and became interested in learning more. After finishing this series, I got what I was searching for and so, so much more. A grand achievement, including countless quotes and photographs and using these to craft an amazing ride through a dark and fascinating period in history. And I'll be damned if I didn't choke up multiple times during that final episode.

This is how you tell the history of anything. It is the talking head documentary perfected.

An epic film and monumental achievement. It’s not the ‘Ken Burns’ effect’ per se that is most powerful here (as perfectly suited as it is to this very first ‘photographed’ historical event) but rather the repetition of photographs and music in addition to the poetic words of Shelby Foote and the dynamic battlefield maps. These elements unite to challenge the viewer to pay attention to fully appreciate the significance of this war in determining the (re)union of the American states.

Shelby Foote you magnificent bastard.

[through episode 7, then abandoned] This is well crafted in some respects, but the reliance on Shelby Foote's lost cause nonsense is off-putting and irresponsible, and comes off as foolish incompetence to anyone who knows anything about the topics at hand.

Often mocked but this is powerhouse stuff. Effectively navigates it's way thoughout the five years of conflict but manages to bring the personal side to every battle.

Definitive and powerful, despite (or because of) being composed entirely of photographs, and lasting around 10 hours.

Absolutely riveting, whether it's recounting major battles or various small personal moments.

The only thing that keeps me from rating this outstanding documentary the full 100 points, is the fact that the Western Theater of Operations is relatively glanced over. Sure, he covers Shiloh, Franklin and Vicksburg, but Murfreesboro, Bryce's Cross Roads and Nashville are given limited time. He never even mentions Poison Springs, which could be seen as one of the more despicable moments during the whole war.

Best goddamn thing I ever saw about the Civil War. Endlessly exciting and humorous and moving. Shelby Foote became a "star" after this was televised, and it's small wonder

So many great photographs. A captivating, moving documentary that reveals how fundamental the Civil War is to America as it exists today. I could listen to Shelby Foote talk all day.

Can't praise this documentary enough. I'm a civil war buff to begin with, and the haunting melodies and multiple narrators give this documentary a distinct and impressive flavor. David McCullough is the primary narrator, and does a fabulous job. On top of that, you have one of the pivotal events that shaped America into the nation it is today.

The Civil War is a monument of documentary film-making, informative, powerful, anecdotal, human. Ken Burns changed the game with this one, as he continues to do, year after year.

the haunting melodies and multiple narrators give this documentary a distinct and impressive flavor. David McCullough is the primary narrator, and does a fabulous job. On top of that, you have one of the pivotal events that shaped America into the nation it is today. It also endlessly exciting and humorous and moving. Shelby Foote became a "star" after this was televised, and it's small wonder

I don't believe it's allowed to have any negative thoughts on this.

god i hate violins

Very well made documentary. Lots of details, I can totally understand the praise it's given. It does a good job of providing some context, and going over both the wider aspects of the war and the individual experiences. But it requires a pre-existing interest in the subject. It's information overload and despite some very good organization and editing it struggles to create interest. I suspect a 2-3 hour condensation would be more effective for someone like me.

Damn good overview of the Civil War. I could listen to Shelby Foote talk about anything.

As an in-depth, comprehensive study of the Civil War, it's remarkable. But as a film conveying that information it is decidedly lacking.

The truth is more compelling than any fiction, and this series shows Ken Burns at his peak.

i've never felt so warm and fuzzy while learning about amputees

In hindsight, I've decided to downgrade this one a little for the misjudgement of giving Confederate apologist Shelby Foote so much time to propagandize his revisionist "Lost Cause" romantic view of the War. Nathan Bedford Forrest was a terrorist and a murderer.

Fascinating stuff. It's well-directed, and always interesting. If you're a history buff, check it out, it's great.

Excellent, learned so much about htis devastating war. Lincoln was fascinating.

[On his escape from slavery] Frederick Douglass: I appear this evening as a thief and robber. I stole this head, these limbs, this body from my master and ran off with them.

Excellent. Complete series.