Gettysburg

Starring: Tom Berenger, Jeff Daniels, Martin Sheen, Sam Elliot, Stephen Lang
Directed by: Ronald F. Maxwell
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama, Historical
Box Office: $10,769,960
1993

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Tells the story of three days in July 1863, where Union and Confederate soldiers met and engaged in the greatest battle of the Civil War, near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The Rebel forces under General Robert E. Lee were turned back, and the South's invasion of the North halted.

Review:

Tim: Gettysburg is an epic in every sense of the term. It is a larger-than-life, sweeping tale of one of the most remarkable battles in American history. In this review, I fear I will reveal my nerdness, as I love history and especially the Civil War. Ah well.

The film begins in 1863, one day before the battle. All of the main characters are here, Martin Sheen as Robert E. Lee, Jeff Daniels as Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and of course, all the other important generals. The film is truly beautiful to behold.

Sam Elliot, in a small role, has a powerful scene that really says a great deal about the battle. He says (and I may slightly misquote), "Its as if you can see the battle coming, like its already happened." There was certainly a great deal of foreknowledge about how the battle would turn out. Berenger's character, General Longstreet foresaw his Confederate soldiers failing, yet General Lee paid his warning no heed.

This film is about one of the most unbelievable battles ever engaged by man- the greatest battle of the American Civil War. Every student in America should see this movie and remember this time period. At times the film can be too idealistic, but its good to have that every so often.

The battle scenes are amazing and truly exciting. One of the best aspects of the film is that it lets you know about the terrible violence and bloodshed, yet shields you from the worse gore and blood (which will be appreicated by the feint of heart). Also, the film excellent portrays both sides of the war. It is very accurate. I especially liked Longstreet (Berenger) warning Lee not to attack. This is one of of the most fascinating aspects of the battle and is great to watch on screen. The film does the battle justice.

For many reasons, this has to be one of the best Civil War movies ever made, if not the best. The film benefits from great performances by Berenger, Sheen, and Daniels. However, it is Daniels who the film really focuses on, and truly shines. His performance is remarkable, and more than once, I asked- "Is this really Harry from Dumb and Dumber?"



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Gods and Generals, Dumb and Dumber, The American President