Pharaoh's Army

I've had a DVD copy of "Pharaoh's Army" in my home collection for several years, and have watched it at least a half-dozen times, each time thoroughly enjoying this little-known, Indie film that escaped my attention when it was first released in 1995. First-time writer/director Robbie Benson deserves a lot of credit for this beautifully crafted, realistic, and subtly moving film about a slice of just a few days in 1862 during the Civil War, and a small group of foraging Union soldiers, whose lives briefly and tragically intersect with a woman and her 11 year old son on their back-woods Kentucky farm. Reportedly based on a true story, this short 90 minute film captures more of the tensions that were behind the American Civil War than scores of other big-battle epics about that singular American conflict. Those looking for massive battle scenes and sweeping panoramas of smoky battlefields should look elsewhere- but if you are a contemplative sort who appreciates fine acting, beautifully ... Read more

A terrific film about division and hatred. I agree with a previous reviewer that this absolutely superior film defies comparison. Nevertheless, the film is somewhat reminiscent of the excellent 'Ride with the Devil', a film about Confederate irregulars in Missouri, and even resembles, in some ways, 'The Last Valley,' with Omar Sharif and Michael Caine. 'The Last Valley' isn't about 'our' Civil war but about the even more devastating 30 years war in Germany. Mercenaries have discovered a hidden valley in Germany that hasn't been totally 'eaten out' and devastated by war. The mercenaries, led by Michal Caine as 'The Captain' will correct that quickly. The local Burgomeister [Omar Shariff] convinces them that their best tactic is to overwinter there taking only what they require. They do, putting them in prolonged contact with an unhappy civilian population. In its own way, 'Pharaoh's Army' is an even better film. Essentially decent men are ordered to do totally indecent things... Read more

Pharoah's Army tells of the tragic true events which were caused by Mr. Lincoln's decision to hold "the union" together no matter what the cost. It shows the beginning of the hubris which today has brought us the likes of Bush and Cheney. And it tragically shows how good people always bear the burden of war. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who is a history buff.

Pharaoh's Army covers one important but often overlooked slice out of life during the Civil War involving one Confederate family. Hint; Hide the food! Highly recommended. Moviemaniac

If you are looking for a Civil War film that includes the rough and tumble of the Blue v Grey battle lines, forget it. After about twenty minutes I started to lose interest in this story consisting of a cast including 5 Union soldiers, 1 Confederate wife her son, a padre and his slave. I was really disappointed that Kris Kristofferson played such a low involvement part in a plot that failed to captivate me. As a UK Civil War re-enactor I suppose I can respect those who viewed the film about man's inhumanity to man (stealing another man's family's food, whilst he's away fighting for the other side) without too much killing being depicted. Unfortunately, I'd much prefer to re-watch Gettysburg, Gods & Generals, Glory etc, which to me are films about the sharp end of the war i.e. the battlefield and the hardship that those fighting in them had to endure, and some of the lunatic decisions made by those that sent them to their sometimes predicatable fate.