I'm a Kiwi and had only a passing knowledge of the American Civil War when this documentary came out in the early 90's. I watched it all then and must watch it again some time soon; it really is *that* good. (Even though hearing the "Ashokan Farewell" is enough to bring me to tears.)
I've also seen the new Lincoln museum in Springfield, Illinois, and recall one of their displays on the Civil War. It was a video that traced the course of the war, the ebb and flow, on a map and, in onoe corner, kept a running total of the dead. So simply done and so poignant.
I'm an American and had studied the Civil War in school, like all kids, but it really didn't interest me.
Until I saw a few moments of Burns' documentary. I was hooked. There simply is nothing else like it. I recall spending a wonderful, rainy Saturday in Champaign-Urbana watching episode after episode. I couldn't look away - it is breathtaking.
And yes, Anonymous, the Ashokan Farewell is tear invoking.
Now I appreciate and am humbled at all our nation went through. It gives me hope for us now.
I'm a Kiwi and had only a passing knowledge of the American Civil War when this documentary came out in the early 90's. I watched it all then and must watch it again some time soon; it really is *that* good. (Even though hearing the "Ashokan Farewell" is enough to bring me to tears.)
ReplyDeleteI've also seen the new Lincoln museum in Springfield, Illinois, and recall one of their displays on the Civil War. It was a video that traced the course of the war, the ebb and flow, on a map and, in onoe corner, kept a running total of the dead. So simply done and so poignant.
I agree.
ReplyDeleteI'm an American and had studied the Civil War in school, like all kids, but it really didn't interest me.
Until I saw a few moments of Burns' documentary. I was hooked. There simply is nothing else like it. I recall spending a wonderful, rainy Saturday in Champaign-Urbana watching episode after episode. I couldn't look away - it is breathtaking.
And yes, Anonymous, the Ashokan Farewell is tear invoking.
Now I appreciate and am humbled at all our nation went through. It gives me hope for us now.