Who were the good guys in the movie Civil War? This question often arises among viewers who are torn between the Union and the Confederacy. While the movie presents a complex narrative, it ultimately portrays certain characters as the embodiment of moral righteousness and the fight for a greater good.
The Union, led by President Abraham Lincoln, is often seen as the good guys in the movie Civil War. They represent the ideals of unity, equality, and the preservation of the United States. President Lincoln, portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis, is a central figure in the film, and his unwavering commitment to the Union’s cause is a driving force behind the narrative. His character’s struggle to balance the moral imperative of ending slavery with the political realities of the time adds depth to the portrayal of the Union as the good guys.
Another key figure in the Union camp is Thaddeus Stevens, played by Tommy Lee Jones. As a Radical Republican, Stevens is passionate about the abolition of slavery and the rights of freed slaves. His relentless pursuit of justice and equality for all makes him a compelling character and an ally to the Union’s cause.
On the Confederate side, the good guys are somewhat harder to pinpoint. The Confederacy, led by General Robert E. Lee, represents the struggle for state sovereignty and the preservation of the Southern way of life. While the Confederacy’s cause is presented as noble in its defense of states’ rights, certain characters within the movie challenge this perception.
One such character is Robert E. Lee’s wife, Mary, portrayed by Sally Field. Mary Lee’s unwavering support for her husband and the Confederate cause, despite her personal beliefs and the hardships faced by her family, makes her a complex and intriguing character. Her loyalty to her husband and the Southern cause, while seemingly contradictory, highlights the moral complexities within the Confederacy.
Another character that adds nuance to the Confederate narrative is Abraham Lincoln’s youngest son, Tad. Tad, portrayed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, befriends a young Confederate soldier named George, played by James Spader. Their friendship transcends the animosity of the war, suggesting that there are good guys on both sides of the conflict.
In conclusion, the movie Civil War presents a nuanced portrayal of the good guys, with the Union often seen as the moral force behind the struggle for unity and equality. However, the film also challenges viewers to consider the complexities within both the Union and the Confederacy, with characters like Mary Lee and Tad’s friendship adding depth to the narrative. Ultimately, the good guys in the movie Civil War are those who fight for the greater good, regardless of their affiliation.
