Gettysburg

Rating:
Summary: Gettysburg The most accurate Historical movie ever made
Review: GETTYSBURG By Mike Ray

One of the most difficult problems that movie producers face in making a historical movie, whether it be in Hollywood or elsewhere, is the concept of truthfulness and believability. Many producers and directors feel no responsibility to treat the subject matter that they are presenting in a truthful or honest way. Some feel that they are at liberty, and have a license to slant the movie any way that may suit their cause. Others lack this dedication to the truth simply because they don't do their research.

So, it is very rare indeed when a production company chooses an ambitious historical setting that still burns in the hearts of many Americans, (The Civil War) and sets out, not only to make an epic movie, but to tell the truth at the same time.

The Movie Gettysburg would not have been possible without the efforts of three men: Michael Sharer, author of the book, "The Killer Angels" - the foremost novel about the three days of Gettysburg , July 1, through July 3, 1863; director Ronald Maxwell, who after reading Sharer's book said, "I must bring this story to the screen."; and TV giant Ted Turner, who put up the financing to make this movie.

This remarkable team was determined that not only was the message of both sides (North and South) to be presented openly and honestly, but they were also willing to spend whatever it took to make the setting as historically accurate as possible. This was to be a huge undertaking. Maxwell came up with the idea of using Civil War Reenactors. (These are people who have studied the war for years, and stage reenactments of Civil War Battles every spring and summer) They not only have the authentic uniforms of the day, but all of the accouterments that go with it - i.e. rifles, powder, flints, tobacco pouches etc. - right down to the smallest detail. Another plus for the production company, was that each reenactor knew the battle of Gettysburg like the back of their hand. Many of their ancestors fought in this battle. It was a part of their lives. Each man (about five thousand) were paid $10 a day, fed beans and cornbread, and slept outdoors in either tents or bed rolls. They enjoyed being at the historical location, and all that went with it - like mosquitoes, and no running water. Many of them thanked God for the opportunity to be a part of something that would honor their forefathers. Many of the stars in the movie were touched by the spirit and dedication that these men brought to this production. It was very special.

The producers receive very high marks for making sure that the philosophical under pinning of each side was presented fairly and accurately. The South felt that the Constitutional convention of 1789 gave them the right of self-government. They felt the states were joined together "only" for the sake of a unified military to fight off foreign aggressors, and for a common currency. They believed they could leave the union at any time, and for any reason. Since Washington DC was meddling in the affairs of the Sovereign States, the South, led by South Carolina, felt that for the sake of their sovereignty they should split from the Union. The North was fighting to preserve the Union. It was Lincoln's strong conviction that once a member, always a member. A "divided nation" could never stand he said. Officially, slavery did not become an issue until January 1, 1863 with Lincoln's emancipation proclamation. This subject is dealt with fairly and honestly, with both sides presenting their own unique perspective.

The story revolves around 3 major characters, General Robert E. Lee of the South (played by Martin Sheen), General James Longstreet of the South (played by Tom Berenger), and Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlin of the North (played by Jeff Daniels From Coldwater, Michigan) and supporting roles from dozens of others. This movie does an outstanding job of introducing one important character after another, without losing any momentum.

As the movie begins, General Lee, the beloved leader of the ragtag South has piled up one impressive upset after another. His incredible victories at Fredricksburg, and Chancellorsville has made him a legend. His men are outnumbered, under clothed, and underfed, but seem to find a way to lay up one important victory after another. Lee, despite his success, has grown tired of the bloodshed and the carnage and wants the War to end. He believes that a victory at Gettysburg will give him a clear road to Washington DC. In fact, a declaration letter of victory written by Jefferson Davis has been prepared for Lee to give to Lincoln, when and if they can make it past the army of the Potomac. Lee's determination to end the war quickly, and his false sense that his men are invincible, will lead him to a tragic mistake.

General Longstreet is Lee's aid who is loyal, and smart. It is he who has developed a brilliant defensive campaign, and tries desperately to convince Lee that an offensive attack against the better equipped North will fail.

Colonel Chamberlin, a Philosophy teacher from Bowden College in Maine, is a reluctant and unpretentious hero who leads an incredible, seldom used, bayonet attack against General Oats and his Alabama brigade. That move of desperation keeps the South from taking the high ground, and makes a southern victory in this small Pennsylvania town impossible.

This is more than a movie about a war, or about a cause. It's also about people. Maxwell puts heart and soul to the characters. He has made them real. You find yourself caring about them (both sides). You sense that in the middle of every battle many of the soldiers come to the realization that in a few short minutes, they will be standing before their maker. The emotion, at times, is overwhelming.

Gettysburg is an unforgettable movie. Randy Eldelmans dramatic musical rendition is one of the best film scores of the last 35 years. His music and director Ronald Maxwell's film are a wonderful marriage. This movie does our ancestors justice. It honors their beliefs, their courage, their sacrifice and their memory. It is the greatest motion picture I have ever seen.

Rating:
Summary: Awful~
Review: This movie is bad. Real bad. Silly Southern accents, fat rebels, crazy looking beards, Martin Sheen, loud non-stop soundtrack, Ken Burns, the Armisted-Hancock "Relationship." I didn't know that the battle was fought entirely by Virginians?! Saving grace is Stephen Lang as Pickett, Sam Elliot as Buford, and some of the fight scenes. Where was A.P. Hill? 26th North Carolina?

Rating:
Summary: Best Movie Ever Made!
Review: I absolutely adored this movie. I borrowed the laserdisc from a friend and figured I would watch it over the course of a week or so, because of the apparent length, but once I started the movie, I could not stop watching. Martin Sheen is spectacular as is Tom Berenger. The movie depicts the closest to reality that is detailed in novels and history books. I have been to the battlefields myself and have observed the history and beauty of Gettysburg. This movie makes all of the memories pour back into my mind. The cinematography is spectacular and no matter what anyone says, the music is excellent. I wish the movie was longer to be honest, I'd like more detail of every skirmish that occurred. Jeff Daniels in his finest performance ever! Delve into this movie as a 'Johnny Reb' or a 'Billy Yank' and become involved as if you are there with the boys, it will take you on a roller coaster of emotions and what it took to fight for what you believed in. I watch this movie every chance I get, I just wish it was formatted for DVD!

Rating:
Summary: Unfounded Criticisms
Review: I had seen this movie once or twice and thoroughly enjoyed it. Subsequently read "The Killer Angels," and found the movie very true to the Pulitzer Prize-winning book.

I recently watched the film again and tried to focus on the criticisms from some of the other re-viewers. Here is my response:

Music -- I was not bothered in the least by the music. I thought it added to the drama. If it was too loud, lower the volume on your TV set.

Length -- Admittedly, it is not always easy to block out 4-and-a-half hours. However, the movie can be easily watched in two parts -- indeed it was designed that way. As a result, there are TWO dramatic climaxes. Personally, I prefer to watch it all at once. I cannot imagine cutting anything out of this film -- let alone two hours, as one reviewer suggested. Instead, it left me yearning for more.

Battle vs. non-battle scenes -- The battle scenes were poignant, dramatic, riveting. But you don't watch a movie like this for the battle scenes alone. There are plenty of "smash 'em up, blow 'em up" movies for people who are into that genre. This is a thinking person's movie. We WANT to know about the Armistead-Hancock relationship, the debates between Lee and Longstreet over strategy, Pickett's devastation at the decimation of his division, Chamberlain's compasionate leadership, etc.

Finally, someone earlier said that "Jeff Bridges' beard looks painted on" . . . I looked long and hard, but did not find Jeff Bridges anywhere . . . unless I'm missing something. Jeff Daniels was in the film, but he did not have a beard. Again, perhaps I missed something.

Every time I watch this film, I learn something new, or pick up on something that I missed earlier. That -- among other things -- makes it a great film -- one that I will go back to again and again.

Rating:
Summary: One of the greatest and truest historical depictions ever
Review: I have practically worn out my video of this movie. It is so good. It's amazing how closely it follows the book and gets into the mood of the time. All without the usual obligatory vulgarities and sex that most modern films have to have! The truest test of how great this film is can be seen when you randomly freeze the frame--you'll notice that almost without exception you will have a perfectly framed picture. Awesome!

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Family Movie
Review: The presentation left out some key facts like why JEB Stewart was late, and how the Union Army gained initial control of Little Round Top. The Little Round Top battle centered on the 20th Maine and not enough on the other regiments. The battle of the Wheat Field changed hands several times and I did not see where it was shown at all. The movie did a good job in depicting the stress and stuggle of "brother" fighting "brother". After touring Gettysburg, it was very interesting to see the action on film. I will watch it again and again. We need to learn from history. It could have been shortened some but not significantly. The music was a little much at times but still OK. Good and room for more: Maybe a more extensive video of each day with a bit of drama added. Perhaps a story centering on one of the characters and their family (assuming there is enough information) in a part 1, part 2 part 3 type of production with each day ending in summary fashion.

Rating:
Summary: It's a real good, high pace civil war action. Yeah man!!!!!
Review: I love the special effects man! Rock on! All C.W. buffs should definatley see this video if you haven't allready.

Rating:
Summary: a must see
Review: acting superb, music great, effects excellen

Rating:
Summary: Better than any movie I've seen.
Review: This and Star Wars are the best movies on the market

Rating:
Summary: A brilliant dramatization of a brilliant book.
Review: Don't be deterred by illiterate morons like "MghtyBston" and "Jnby83". I suspect neither of them actually read Shaara's book, or if they did, they didn't understand what he was trying to do. There may well have been some historical inaccuracies [has there ever been 100% agreement on every detail of every battle ever fought that wasn't followed realtime on CNN?], but the point of the book, and the movie, was to humanize historical figures, ordinary men who were thrust into extraordinary circumstances. This movie accomplishes that goal. As to the length, how long did the actual battle last? Someone with the attention span of a 5 year old shouldn't attempt to watch an epic portrayal of an event such as the battle of Gettysburg. I suspect they would be bored at the actual battlesite and would leave because it wasn't "entertaining" enough.