Publisher's Synopsis
Director Ang Lee and writer-producer James Schamus turn the spotlight on an often overlooked aspect of American history in this, their sixth film together. The outbreak of the civil war causes a rift in the Roedel family as young Jake (Tobey Maguire) goes against the wishes of his Unionist father and joins his friend Jack (Skeet Ulrich) in the Bushwhackers, a Confederate guerilla force. When winter comes, Jack and Jake take shelter with wealthy landowner Mr Evans, and Jake begins a romance with young war widow Sue Lee Shelley (Jewel). However, it is not long before the harsh realities of war once again intrude on their lives.
