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Rebel: Loreta Velazquez, Secret Soldier of the American Civil War DVD

$24.99
Item #: WC1692
Rebel: Loreta Velazquez, Secret Soldier of the American Civil War In 1861, at the outbreak of the American Civil War, a teenager from New Orleans headed to the front lines. Under the alias Harry T. Buford, he fought at First Bull Run, was wounded at Shiloh, and served as a Confederate spy. But Buford harbored a secret - he was ... More
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Rebel: Loreta Velazquez, Secret Soldier of the American Civil War

In 1861, at the outbreak of the American Civil War, a teenager from New Orleans headed to the front lines. Under the alias Harry T. Buford, he fought at First Bull Run, was wounded at Shiloh, and served as a Confederate spy. But Buford harbored a secret - he was really Loreta Velazquez, a Cuban immigrant from New Orleans. By 1863, Velazquez was spying for the Union. She scandalized America when she revealed her story in her 1876 memoir, The Woman in Battle. Attacked not only for her criticism of war, but her sexuality and social rule-breaking, Velazquez was dismissed as a hoax for 150 years. But evidence confirms she existed, one of over 1,000 women soldiers who served in the Civil War.

What made her so dangerous she was erased from history? Actors and historians bring Velazquez' story to life in this documentary, weaving drama and animation with historical and archival material to unravel the mystery of this secret soldier. Rebel is a detective story about a woman, a myth, and the politics of national memory.

Bonus video: Go behind the scenes of the making of Rebel

Production Year: 2013
Discs: 1
Subtitles: Y
Subtitle Language: English (SDH)
DVI: N
Aspect Ratio: 16x9 Widescreen

12 Reviews
E
Estherdelcarmen
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
03/08/22
Exciting untold Civil War story - Librarian Review
Review by Estherdelcarmen on 03/08/22 review stating Exciting untold Civil War story - Librarian Review
I screened the film for students to mark the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. We were collectively excited and moved by this nuanced story. The music, acting, and editing enhance a story relegated to the footnotes of history, a history that even feels relevant today. I recommend this film to any library in the United States. The film will captivate the attention of even the most reluctant student who will have a better understanding of history, diversity, and the world we live in today.
E
Ep
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Rebel, worth watching more than once
Review by Ep on 07/17/20 review stating Rebel, worth watching more than once
What a beautifully written and filmed production. I found REBEL thought provoking. It challenged the lens through which I view the world. It shows how family, society/culture attempts to mould the individual into its own image and the consequences for non conformity. But like Loreta, those who are courageous enough to do is change the world. If you have ever challenged cultural/societal norms you will feel a kindred spirit with Loretta. Thank-you for creating a space to have a discussion about culture, skin colour, race, gender roles and war
E
Eric
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
A great story, well told!
Review by Eric on 07/17/20 review stating A great story, well told!
A complicated and nuanced story which opens a whole different perspective on the Civil War. I very much enjoyed it, and I think you will too. Valazquez was a remarkable woman, far ahead of her time.
R
Roody
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Yes, I Would buy this Movie.
Review by Roody on 07/17/20 review stating Yes, I Would buy this Movie.
I had the pleasure of seeing this film at the National Park Service at Womens Rights National Historical Park tonight. Its a great feeling to see little known or told storys like this one. Kudos to Maria Agui Carter for taking on such a great subject. Hope there is more to come from this amazing lady. Thanks so much for having me, if you get a chance to buy and see this film you will not be disappointed. Dale R Rood Studio Operations Director Four Directions Productions Standing Stone Studios Vernon, NY 13476 3158298810
K
Kimberly F.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Inspirational, well-crafted, historical
Review by Kimberly F. on 07/17/20 review stating Inspirational, well-crafted, historical
This is a truly incredible film. I have watched both the festival version and the television version. It is a thorough assessment of something very absent from popular knowledge--the participation of women during the Civil War, and it focuses on a Latina trailblazer, no less! Loreta Velazquez is an incredible historical figure, and this film is destined to make her an icon for many. The most incredible thing is the filmmaker was able to construct an image of a woman whose face we will never know. Haunting, beautiful, and patriotic in a non-conventional way.
M
Mimi B.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Women Civil War Soldiers? And a Latina?!
Review by Mimi B. on 07/17/20 review stating Women Civil War Soldiers? And a Latina?!
This film took my understanding of the Civil War to new heights. While I knew of some women fighting undercover as men, I had no idea to what extent. Nor did I ever imagine a Latina with such a rich history would be a part of this American formative chapter. Without this film, I dare say Loreta Velazquezs story would have been lost. What an excellent revisitation of the Civil War and introduction to one of its unsung sheroes.
B
Blinkie
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
BRAVO!!!
Review by Blinkie on 07/17/20 review stating BRAVO!!!
About time someone creates such a captivating piece of Art. I feel this movie moved me. I am amazed of how her story was told. The actors, the storyline, the direction, the music and the production, its just powerful. Every middle / high school student, teacher as well as administrators should see this film.
R
Roody
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
A movie you should see!
Review by Roody on 07/17/20 review stating A movie you should see!
I had the pleasure of seeing this film at the National Park Service at Womens Rights National Historical Park tonight. Its a great feeling to see little known or told storys like this one. Kudos to Maria Agui Carter for taking on such a great subject. Hope there is more to come from this amazing lady. Thanks so much for having me, if you get a chance to buy and see this film you will not be disappointed. Dale R Rood Studio Operations Director Four Directions Productions Standing Stone Studios Vernon, NY 13476 3158298810
S
Sarah
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
dont miss this movie!
Review by Sarah on 07/17/20 review stating dont miss this movie!
ReBel is a fascinating and provocative feature documentary about Loreta Janeta Velazquez, Civil War soldier and spy. She cross-dressed and fought for the Confederacy. Nuanced, timely, beautiful performance by Isabel Carter as the young Loreta.
S
Somegirl
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
A True Masterpiece
Review by Somegirl on 07/17/20 review stating A True Masterpiece
This is just an incredible story that should be seen by all American school children as well as adults. In my opinion, Civil War buffs would enjoy this film immensely. The director of this documentary did an outstanding job as far as guiding the actors to reenact this time period and series of events. The setting and costumes were very authentic. It is also evident that a tremendous amount of research was done to portray Loreta Janeta Velazquezs story in a historically accurate light. I highly recommend this documentary.
J
Jen J.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
Fascinating Story!
Review by Jen J. on 07/17/20 review stating Fascinating Story!
This film takes you back in time to see how the amazing life of Loreta Velazquez unfolds in relation to the Civil War. This really brings the time period to life. Through her story and the questions it leaves us with, the documentary encourages us viewers to ponder how and why parts of her story were/are contested, and to think about how history gets written. I loved this video and recommend it most highly!
T
Tom G.
Anonymous User
5.0 star rating
07/17/20
REBEL:LORETA VELAZQUEZ
Review by Tom G. on 07/17/20 review stating REBEL:LORETA VELAZQUEZ
VERY GOOD, WITH A LOT OF INFORMATION THAT I LEARN SOMETHING. I AM ENJOY THING ABOUT THE CIVIL WAR. VERY GOOD

Highlighted Customer Reviews


REBEL:LORETA VELAZQUEZ
Review by Tom G. review stating REBEL:LORETA VELAZQUEZ
VERY GOOD, WITH A LOT OF INFORMATION THAT I LEARN SOMETHING. I AM ENJOY THING ABOUT THE CIVIL WAR. VERY GOOD
Fascinating Story!
Review by Jen J. review stating Fascinating Story!
This film takes you back in time to see how the amazing life of Loreta Velazquez unfolds in relation to the Civil War. This really brings the time period to life. Through her story and the questions it leaves us with, the documentary encourages us viewers to ponder how and why parts of her story were/are contested, and to think about how history gets written. I loved this video and recommend it most highly!
A True Masterpiece
Review by Somegirl review stating A True Masterpiece
This is just an incredible story that should be seen by all American school children as well as adults. In my opinion, Civil War buffs would enjoy this film immensely. The director of this documentary did an outstanding job as far as guiding the actors to reenact this time period and series of events. The setting and costumes were very authentic. It is also evident that a tremendous amount of research was done to portray Loreta Janeta Velazquezs story in a historically accurate light. I highly recommend this documentary.

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