Grant
This documentary-series examines Grant's life story using his perspective and experiences to explore a turbulent time in history: the Civil War and Reconstruction.
Where to Watch
Streaming, rent and purchase options
Episodes
1. Unlikely Hero
In one of the unlikeliest stories in American history, Ulysses S. Grant rises from his humble beginnings to become the winning General in one of the Civil War's bloodiest battles.
2. Lincoln's General
With his back up against the wall, Ulysses S. Grant takes incredible risks, becomes Abraham Lincoln's favorite General, and prepares for an epic clash with Robert E. Lee.
3. Freedom's Champion
Ulysses S. Grant defeats Robert E. Lee and wins the Civil War, only to find that he will be called to duty again to serve as President during one of the most difficult times in America history.
Cast & Crew
Justin Salinger
Ulysses S. Grant
Carel Nel
Abraham Lincoln
Jason K. Ralph
General Sherman
Brian Heydenrych
Robert E. Lee
Francis Chouler
John Rawlins
Dianne Simpson
Julia Grant
Nicholas Dallas
Major Lewis Merrill
Darron Araujo
Mark Twain
Craig Jackson
General Halleck
Daniel Fox
Colonel Charles Marshall
Story & Production Details
Reviews & Thoughts
_**Ranks with the top Civil War films**_ Released in 2020, “Grant” is a three-part miniseries based on historian Ron Chernow’s 2017 book of the same name. Without commercials, this is a 4-hour film that’s part dramatic reenactment featuring Justin Salinger in the lead role and part documentary with a diverse cast of erudite and interesting commentators. Ulysses S. Grant has been descibed as “an inspired commander, an adequate president, a dull companion and a roaring drunk.” I take issue with that last description. Grant might’ve had an issue with alcohol, but that doesn’t make him a “roaring drunk.” I know real-life drunkards and they waste their lives sitting around looking for their next drink, accomplishing very little. Drunks don’t lead the biggest military force on Earth and win battle-after-battle, as well as the great war itself. Nor are they able to lead a country the size of the USA for eight years and have a successful marriage & family that overcome great challenges over & over. This might be my favorite Civil War movie of all time, as good or better than the best you can cite, like “Ride with the Devil” (1999), “Glory” (1989), “Cold Mountain” (2003), “The Horse Soldiers” (1959) and “Gods and Generals” (2002). “Grant” is the best cinematic source to understand the big picture of The Civil War, especially as far as the Union’s strategy to victory. For instance, what was the purpose of the Battle of Shiloh? If it was a Union victory, why did reporters lambaste Grant as an incompetent drunk and why was he demoted? After crossing the Mississippi, why did Grant go east to fight two battles and capture Jackson, Mississippi, BEFORE going to Vicksburg? What was the strategic value of the Battle of the Wilderness? Petersburg and Cold Harbor? The reanactments are realistic with utterly savage battle scenes. This is what it was like, folks. War is hell. Thankfully, the film doesn’t end with Lee’s surrender at Appomattax, but goes on to address Grant’s final 22 years of life as President during Reconstruction, his wide travels, tragedies and finishing his memoir 3 days before passing away. GRADE: A
