Even at a length of 4+ hours, Gettysburg never grows old or tiresome. Rather, it’s a gigantic piece of American cinematic history. Epic, big and grande, Gettysburg is not only the most accomplished Civil War pic to date, but it’s perfectly choreographed, shot well and splendidly acted.
It’s a shame that this masterful pic bombed at the box-office, but it did manage to gain all of its back when millions of people tuned in to watch Gettysburg when it was shown on TV.
The movie follows the 3-day battle at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In 1863, Confederate General Robert E. Lee invaded the Union with 75,000 men. Union General George Meade was tasked with defending Washington, armed with 85,000 soldiers. The film is told from the points of view from the prominent people on both sides. We get an equal view from the Union and the Confederates, and the movie also keeps a neutral stance, so that the audience can decide about who deserved to ultimately win the battle.
The movie is based off of the book, the Killer Angels, which was by Michael Shaara. The director Ronald F. Maxwell brings that novel to the cinema. The results are brilliant and amazing, a superb film about the decisive battle that turned the tide of war in the Union’s favor.
Among the ensemble cast are: Tom Berenger as General James Longstreet, Jeff Daniels as Colonel Joshua Chamberlain, Martin Sheen as General Robert E. Lee, C. Thomas Howell as Lieutenant Thomas Chamberlain, Richard Jordan as General Lewis A. Armistead, Richard Anderson as General George Meade, Brian Mallon as General Winfield Scott Hancock, Stephen Lang as General George Pickett, and Sam Elliot as General John Buford.
The authentic battle scenes are without a doubt the main centerpiece of the film. Thousands of Confederates charge the Union line, the Union fire ripping into their line with cannons and musket fire. Another time the Union soldiers bravely charge down a hill with bayonets when their ammo runs dry. It’s a very unique look at 19th century warfare.
The battle scenes are also violent, and at times, bloody, but never especially gory or graphic. Nevertheless, I think that the violence is without a doubt strong enough for a PG-13 rather than the film’s PG, as the battles can get a little intense with hundreds of men getting gunned down at once. There’s also a rather bloody scene at a hospital tent.
As a piece of cinema, Gettysburg is brilliant. It never loses its original focus on the piece of American history it is portraying. I never felt like I was watching a movie. I felt like I was watching history being replayed before me.
*****/5
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