Review
History has been accused of being boring, tedious,and dull at times. And what would one expect with all the names, dates, and events that must be covered? If I had a favorite topic to study in history it would be American history, specifically, the wars our nation has endured since its conception. But I have been guilty of treating the past as mere stories, forgetting that these battles involved real people living real lives and facing real struggles. If I am not careful about how I teach my children regarding the wars of the past, they might become disconnected and desensitized to its reality.
The Angel of Marye’s Heights is a very touching 28-minute documentary that reminds us that there are real people behind every story. It is a narrative of Sergeant Richard Rowland Kirkland who is perhaps the most compassionate and heroic character of the entire Civil War. If you are teaching your children about the War Between the States, you will find his account very interesting. The story takes place on December 13, 1862 in Fredericksburg, Virginia. This brutal battle left thousands dead and many more wounded and dying. After the fighting ceased, the Federal troops attempted to rescue their comrades, but they were too close to the Confederate line to be successful. Throughout the night, the Confederate soldiers listened to the screams and cries of their wounded enemies who were left on the battlefield. Standing alone, Kirkland requested permission to aid these dying men. What followed gave him the title “The Angel of Marye’s Heights.”
We all enjoyed watching this video. It held my children’s attention and gave them a story worth retelling at the dinner table that evening. I would have liked to have seen a little more about Kirkland’s beliefs brought out in the documentary. What moved him to risk his life for his enemies? It couldn’t have been that he was just a good man, it seemed that something more had to drive him. After all, thousands of good, decent men stood by, watching Richard single-handedly minister to his wounded and dying adversaries. Was there an aspect of faith that could have been brought out more in this film? However, I will say that the bonus features did include some mention of faith, and I was touched with director Clint Ross and his humble gratitude toward Jesus Christ.
Friedrich Hegel once said, “The only thing we learn from history is that we never learn from history.” There is legitimacy to this statement. But my prayer is that with the help of documentaries, like this one that depicts such a moving story, we will learn from history. As we are taught from these past heroes, let us once again discover humanity. Let us be reminded that love and mercy always triumphs in the end. And may we learn to live sacrificial lives filled with compassion for even our greatest enemies.
Worldview marked indeterminate because there is no clear biblical teaching or scriptural truths in this documentary. However, it should be noted that the bonus features do mention a little about faith.
About the Reviewer
Right Stripe Media was formed in 2010 when Clint Ross,an independent filmmaker, partnered with historian and author Michael Aubrecht.Both principals came together to produce the critically acclaimed Civil War documentary The Angel of Marye’s Heights.Following the success of this highly original and dramatic piece, Clint and Michael decided to form a production company geared towards bringing unique stories with historical themes to life in a manner that resonates with their audience. Ross’s dynamic visual style, combined with Aubrecht’s award-winning pen, creates a complete experience that leaps off the big screen.
I would like to thank Kimberly and the good folks at Home Educating Family for their kind review. I am a fan of your publication.
I did want to add something from the Producer’s point of view… Although this film was made by Christians, starring several Christians (such as Homeschooler Richard Warren Jr.) it is not what we would consider to be a “Christian movie.” This was a conscious decision when the project began as we wanted to share this story with as broad an audience as possible.
If the movie was ‘overtly’ religious it would not have spread as far as it did. The museums, universities, and govt. battlefield bookstores that carry it would not otherwise. Plus the fact that public elementary, middle and high schools use it along with homeschoolers shows its broad demographic that works in both religious and secular classrooms.
Our faith has been exhibited after the fact when appropriate, but the film is first and foremost a historical documentary about an extraordinary moment during the Civil War. Also, we don’t know the specifics of Kirkland’s religious beliefs. To enter into that would have been speculation and historically inaccurate.
Thanks again for your kind words.
Michael Aubrecht, Producer “The Angel of Marye’s Heights”
Thank you Kimberly for the amazing review and remarks! It is a truly a privilege and honor to be reviewed by HEFM.
Like Michael, I would like to comment from the directors point of view in why we choose to be silent in regards to Kirkland’s portrayal and motives in risking his life for his enemies.
My goal in making this film was first and foremost to tell a quality and compelling story of a young-man that risked his life to save his enemies. Now, in this context, you have many controversial issues regarding War Ethics and religion. If I make a statement on Kirkland’s motives without proper historical documentation then I am crossing into my personal opinion, which is fine, but in the context of a historical film, the line should be crossed with caution. However, the fact remains… we do not know why Kirkland chose to risk his life for his enemies.
However, what does lye within this act is a universal principal… “a person showing love their enemy”. And if the viewer will notice in the tag line of the DVD cover (which is, by the way, not the official DVD cover of our DVD) it says “If Your Enemy Thirst…” This tag line to love your enemy is the universal principal that I felt depicted Kirkland’s act of mercy. I choose to reflect and portray this event based off the Apostle Paul pointing to us “whatever is honorable… whatever is praiseworthy… think about such things.” This is the power of filmmaking! We show… not just tell! In some ways it is the same as Jesus in Mark 4 telling his disciples that to outsiders “he speaks only in parables”. Which a parable is a story with a truth embedded in it.
I felt that this was the appropriate way to deal with the unknown of Kirkland’s motives… it is a Christ-like act without the Christ-like tag. The act itself is honorable… praiseworthy. And that is worth pondering. And there in lies the truth behind it. You finish watching the film and immediately begin to “think” about the honor and truth of it.
Again, I know this is controversial but I feel we have to be careful labeling events and actions so quickly as being Christian without wrestling with the depth of the event. That is why I am thrilled to have this review and the open and responsible conversation of exploring our faith and the events we surround ourselves with as being Christ-like. I would like to say this to the viewer… i am a Christian and this is definitely a film for Christians, but it is also a film for the non-believer. Why? Kirkland’s act is for all humanity. It is for the Christians to celebrate and point to Christ and for the non-Christian to ponder. It will be our own actions in how we treat our enemies that confirms Kirkland’s and ultimately Christ’.
Sincerely,
Clint Ross, Producer and Director “The Angel of Marye’s Heights”
Michael and Clint, Thank you for the clarification and the intention behind the film. I liked what you (Clint) said about the film. “It is for the Christians to celebrate and point to Christ and for the non-Christian to ponder.” I certainly could not watch it without thinking about Christ’s great sacrifice for his enemies. Blessings to you both and keep up the good work!
I was involved with the film in a small way, and was amazed on viewing the completed work as to how it used a blend of computer animation and live actors to deliver the story of SGT Kirkland and of the Fredricksburg battle. The brave and selfless act that SGT Kirkland displayed attempted in his own individual way to forge something good from an event filled with tragedy.
I’d like to respond to the producer’s comments. It is my understanding that Christianity is still the majority religion in the United States. Around 75% of people claim they are Christian.
I’d also submit that as a documentary, the subject matter should be presented in its true light. If a person is Christian and would give thanks to God during a certain event, it should be filmed in that manner.
Just my .02.
Blessings,
Michelle in ID
The story of Richard Kirkland is one of bravery and self-sacrifice. When my son worked on his ‘living history’ school project, I would be moved to tears as I listened to the story of a young man (Richard Kirkland) going off to war and willing to risk his life for the enemy. I have received letters from those who have used this film in a school classroom and am thrilled to hear that it encouraged young students to learn more about history.
I meant to give this 5 stars.