C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

The South wins the Civil War, then they get really, *really* into product placement, creating a world where racist advertising is more prevalent than breathable air.

🍿 C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Confederacy’s Victory

The film opens with the premise that the Confederate States of America won the Civil War in 1863 thanks to British and French military aid. This victory leads to the CSA absorbing the Northern states and establishing slavery as a protected right under the Constitution. Abraham Lincoln is forced to flee to Canada, setting the stage for an alternate American history.

CSA’s Rise to Power

The documentary traces the CSA’s transformation into a global superpower. They dominate wars in Latin America and form an alliance with Nazi Germany, highlighting the film’s exploration of racism and oppression on a global scale. These events showcase a continuous narrative of racial subjugation, emphasizing how deeply ingrained slavery becomes in the CSA’s identity and policies.

Modern-Day CSA

In the film’s present day, the CSA faces international pressure over its continued practice of slavery. However, slavery remains the backbone of the country’s economy and a core part of its identity. A political rupture looms when a slave of a prominent politician reveals shocking information, potentially challenging the CSA’s deeply entrenched system.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Abraham Lincoln (Kevin McKinney/Arlo Kasper): In this alternate history, Lincoln is portrayed initially as a leader of the Union, later as a fugitive in blackface, and eventually as a forgotten figure in Canada.
• Jefferson Davis (Brian Paulette): Davis serves as the President of the Confederate States of America, leading the nation to victory and shaping its future.
• Confederate Family Dad (Greg Kirsch): Represents the everyday Confederate citizen benefiting from and upholding the societal norms of a slave-owning nation.
• Confederate Family Mom (Renee Patrick): A Confederate woman embodying the social expectations and values of the CSA society.
• Sherman Hoyle (Rupert Pate): A character in the fictional documentary who embodies the ideologies and beliefs prevalent in the Confederate States of America.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• John Ambrose Fauntroy: “Dear friends, the colored is not ready for freedom. To free him is to make him an orphan. Liberty would be a great curse to the race.” – This quote encapsulates the mindset of those who believed slavery was beneficial for enslaved people.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $672,156
• Worldwide Gross: $744,165

💥 C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, this movie messed with my head! The idea of the South winning the Civil War is already unsettling, but seeing it play out through a fake documentary with those ‘commercial breaks’ made it even more disturbing. The ending, with the real racist products, was a punch to the gut. It really made me think about how much of that past is still lurking in our present.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of alternate history and mockumentaries”
  • “Viewers interested in social commentary and satire”
  • “Those who enjoy thought-provoking and controversial films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong racist content and language”
  • “Depictions of slavery and racial discrimination”
  • “Potentially offensive material”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A daring and thought-provoking satire that bravely explores the uncomfortable realities of race in America through the lens of an alternate history.
• The New York Times: “While the premise is intriguing, the execution sometimes falters. Despite it’s low-budget and problematic acting, the movie presents a disturbing vision that sticks with you long after the credits roll.
• RogerEbert.com: “A film that’s more interested in provocation than in nuanced storytelling. Its impact is undeniable, sparking important conversations about race and prejudice in America.

Audience Reactions

The satirical commercials were both hilarious and deeply disturbing.: The movie’s bold and uncompromising approach to tackling race relations was widely appreciated.

The concept of an alternate history Confederate States was creatively executed.: Viewers were impressed with the unique way that history was presented and made the movie thought-provoking.

Overall Consensus: A provocative and unsettling satire that sparks important conversations about race and history, even if its execution is sometimes uneven.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot on a very low budget, which contributed to its mockumentary feel. The filmmakers had to be creative in finding locations and props.”
• “Director Kevin Willmott is a film professor at the University of Kansas. He used many of his students and local actors to fill out the cast and crew.”
• “Many of the racist product advertisements featured in the film were based on actual products that existed in American history. The film uses these to highlight the pervasiveness of racism in American culture.”

🖥️ How to Watch C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America?

As a mockumentary that gained notoriety through film festivals, finding ‘C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America’ on mainstream streaming platforms might be challenging. Check streaming services like IFC Films, which often supports independent cinema. Purchase options are typically available on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV, where you can buy a digital copy. It’s also worth checking if your local library offers access to the film, either physically or through digital lending services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America, you might like these similar films:

• Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964): Shares a similar satirical tone, using dark humor to address serious political and social issues, pushing boundaries.
• Birth of a Nation (1915): As C.S.A. satirizes the romanticized view of the Confederacy, Birth of a Nation, despite its historical significance, promoted harmful stereotypes and a revisionist view of the Civil War era.
• American History X (1998): Explores the lasting impact of racist ideologies and their destructive consequences, focusing on the way they affect individuals and communities.

🛒 C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America Related Products

• Confederate States of America Flag: A historical and symbolic flag, perfect for history buffs and collectors. It represents a specific period in American history and can serve as a conversation piece and educational tool.
• Civil War History Books: Explore the real history behind the conflict with e-books and historical accounts of the Civil War. Gain in-depth knowledge about the events, people, and ideologies that shaped the era.
• The Civil War: A Narrative, Vol. 1: Fort Sumter to Perryville: A comprehensive 886-page historical book on the American Civil War, providing a detailed account of the events, battles, and figures from Fort Sumter to Perryville.
• Lincoln – Blu Ray: Steven Spielberg directs Daniel Day-Lewis in a biographical war drama about the 16th President of the United States.

🎧 Soundtrack

C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Fauntroy Is The Man” – performed by Erin J. McGrane and Scott Richardson

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Nigger Hair Tobacco

Wow, this ‘Nigger Hair Tobacco’ commercial is disturbing, but it really showcases how shocking and twisted the alternate reality of this movie is. You have to see this to believe it.

Confederate Family Insurance

Check out this Confederate Family Insurance commercial from the film, it’s really interesting how they twisted typical ads to fit this alternate reality. Definitely a must-watch!

Slave Shopping Network

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw this scene from ‘Confederate States of America’! A ‘Slave Shopping Network’? You need to watch this clip to understand how messed up this movie truly is!

✨ Rate