Gettysburg

Rating:
Summary: Amazing contribution to our understanding of these 3 days
Review: Everyone involved in the making of GETTYSBURG has absolutely every right to be proud of what they have contributed to our understanding of those three terrible days of fierce fighting during the Civil War. Under director Ronald Maxwell's unflinching yet sympathetic command, GETTYSBURG more than recreates the military strategies and errors that took place that summer in 1863. He puts a human face on the thinking and feeling of all those who took part in that conflagration.

All the performances are brilliant. In no particular order, Martin Sheen was perfect as the brooding, somber Robert E. Lee. Tom Berenger and Stephen Lang were compelling as Lt. General Longstreet and Maj. General Pickett, respectively. In what I believe was his final performance, Richard Jordan capped a terrific career as Brig. General Armistead. Even the extras were incredibly convincing!

But what is at the heart of this film is the truism that "Heroes don't make history; history makes heroes"--and nowhere is that belief more accurately expressed than in the plight of Colonel Joshua Chamberlain, as intensely portrayed by Jeff Daniels. Sorely outnumbered, actually absurdly outnumbered, Col. Chamberlain and his unit was given the daunting task of defending the Union's flank. A former schoolteacher, Chamberlain drew upon his training AND his knowledge of military history to outmanuever and outpsyche the enemy while, more importantly, keeping the morale of his own men in check. The result was a devestating blow to the Confederacy which marked a truning point in the battle and the war. Daniels was nothing less than flawless as Col. Chamberlain. And like I said before, just about everything else was remarkable, too.

Rating:
Summary: History Comes Alive
Review: "Gettysburg" represents that rare occasion in the movies where the filmmakers are painstaking in their attempts to get all of their facts right and still make a watchable movie. And though you can quibble about a few of the dtetails, they succeed quite well. The movie is based on the hugely popular novel, "The Killer Angles," which placed dialog in the mouths of the leaders who fought the battle and breathed life back into the legends. The movies is quite faithful to the book, and places its emphasis on Maine Colonel Joshua Chamberlain (Jeff Daniels) as well as Confedrate Generals Lee (Martin Sheen) and Longstreet (Tom Berriger).

The DVD version of the movie places the whole 254 minutes on one double-sided disk. The film looks terrific and there are a number of extras, including a "Making Of" sequence and a documentary of the battle itself. There are also battlefield maps to help the viewer and audio commentary by the filmakers. If you add it all up, it makes for one great package for any devoted Civil War buff and even those less committed who merely want to understand their history better.

Rating:
Summary: Gettysburg-an exciting and dramatic review of the final days
Review: I absolutely LOVE this movie. Based on the bestselling novel 'The Killer Angels' by Michael Shaara, Gettysburg is an engaging and [MOSTLY accurate] retelling of the events surrounding what was probably the most major battle of the War of Northern Agression (no offense to anyone, I AM a southerner, but I harbor no serious prejudices toward anyone). Some minor details, such as Chamberlain's position during the battle are slightly off, but most of the historical action is dead on. Martin Sheen delivers an excellent performance as Gen. Robert E. Lee. Although this movie was released earlier, 'Gods and Generals' by Jeff Shaara (same name as the book, and Michael Shaara's son) precedes Gettysburg in historical order. Recommended to anyone interested in the American Civil War and history buffs alike.

Rating:
Summary: Highly loveable, despite its faults.
Review: "Gettysburg" has its faults: the phony beards that look like the kind you can buy at a drugstore for Halloween, the large number of overweight and overaged extras, the questionable casting (Martin Sheen as Robert E. Lee? Brian Mallon as Winfield S. Hancock?), the nearly bloodless battle scenes, the poorly choreographed hand-to-hand combat scenes, cannons firing with no recoil, extras staring into the camera or smiling at inappropriate times, and so on and so on. Most of these quibbles, however, can be explained away by the movie's TV production budget and its almost exclusive reliance on the services of Civil War reenactors as extras without whom "Gettysburg" could have never been made. Also, due to the "Gettysburg's" faithfulness to Michael Shaara's novel, "The Killer Angels;" several scenes of "dialogue" come across as very stilted and artificial- Sam Elliot's Buford talking about the high ground or Tom Berenger's Longstreet discussing his thoughts about the upcoming Pickett's Charge. In the book those scenes were thoughts not conversation; but too many longwinded voiceovers would have been overkill, so the movie has the actors giving monologues to a nodding supporting actor.

Despite its faults, I love, love, LOVE this movie. I saw it four times in the theater and uncountable number of times on video. It's a Civil War buff's dream film. I think Jeff Daniels and Tom Berenger are superb and I really love Stephen Lang's Pickett. The Battle for Little Round Top and Pickett's Charge are spectacular. The musical score was one of the best of the 90's. Even the opening credits are alot of fun to watch. Also "Gettysburg" contains numerous little details that only buffs will recognize: A.P. Hill, Myles Keogh, Alonzo Cushing, G.K. Warren, Augustus Ellis Van Horne, 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters, the Texas Brigade, the Iron Brigade in their distinctive black hats, the Irish Brigade receiving absolution from Fr. Corby, Stannard's Vermonters, the Irish 69th PA at the Angle, the reenacting of a Homer Winslow painting, one armed Oliver Howard, Alexander Webb played by Brian Pohonka, the Union divisional emblems, and numerous others. Director Ronald Maxwell went out his way to accomodate these little details, and they add alot of enjoyment to the movie.

In its review one Civil War magazine described "Gettysburg" as a "great shaggy dog of a thing"- it's a little sloppy at times; but still highly loveable. Should a movie about Gettysburg be loveable? Does "Gettysburg's" battle scenes, with their stirring music and minimal bloodshed, do justice to the carnage of July 1-3, 1863? Definetly not. Maybe someday a filmmaker with access to a HUGE budget and all the latest CGI and special effects technology will do for Pickett's Charge what Speilberg did for Omaha Beach; but I'm not going to hold my breath waiting. Until then I will enjoy "Gettysburg" for what it is- a terrific attempt to bring to life one of the classic war novels and a film that belies its television production orgins.

Rating:
Summary: "The Killer Angles" magnificently brought to the screen
Review: "Gettysburg" is based on Michael Shaara's novel "The Killer Angels," and both works focus on this crucial battle on July 1-3, 1863 through from the perspective of five key figures: The first day of the battle is dominated by Union Calvary General John Buford (Sam Elliot), who slowed the Confederate advance to preserve the precious high ground for the Federal army. The second day comes down to the efforts of Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain (Jeff Daniels) and the 20th Maine, who hold the extreme left end of the Army of the Potomac at a crucial moment in the battle. The third day focuses on the clash of wills between General Robert E. Lee (Martin Sheen) and his veteran commander James "Pete" Longstreet (Tom Berenger), who have been arguing offense versus defense throughout the battle, climaxing in the fatal finality of Pickett's Charge. The focal figure of the Charge is Confederate General Lowell Armistead (Richard Jordan), who must attack the position defended by his best friend Winfield Scott Hancock, made all the more poignant by the fact that this was Jordan's final role; he died from a brain tumor the same year this film was released.

However, it is the character of Chamberlain who emerges as the hero from this film. Chamberlain was featured as well in the celebrated PBS documentary "The Civil War," and the result is that he has become the idealized citizen-soldier or gallant knight of the Union army. The result of his military and political career is almost as fascinating as his defense of Little Round Top, for which he received the Congressional Medal of Honor. Jeff Daniel's performance is certainly the finest of his career to date, and he gets to give an eloquent speech on the Civil War as a fight to make other men free. His interplays with veteran Sergeant "Buster" Kilrain (Kevin Conway) deal with the war on a philosophical level, which is not surprising because the man is a college professor. But in the heat of battle he proves himself, and while we cannot imagine ourselves being Robert E. Lee, we can identify with Chamberlain. The end result is that the best part of the film comes not at the end, but before the intermission.

This DVD has some excellent extra features. Side A offers the 1950 documentary "Battle of Gettysburg," narrated by Leslie Nielsen, which tells the story of the battle entirely in terms of shots of the hundreds of monuments and statues covering the National Battlefield in Pennsylvania. "The Making of 'Gettysburg,'" the other main feature is on Side B, and does a nice job of capturing the sense of reverence the actors and reenactors had for making this movie on locations in and around the actual battlefield. There is also an interview gallery, theatrical trailer and four televison spots, on location footage and battlefield maps. The commentary track, which is only for selected scenes and not the entire film, focuses primarily on the actual Battle of Gettysburg. Unlike most commentaries, what you will find here matches up with what is happening on screen and there are several sections keyed to specific shots or lines of dialogue, which is much appreciated. In addition to applauding the historical accuracy of the film, McPherson and Symonds make a fascinating case for Lee's logic in ordering Pickett's Charge. Shaara had based parts of his novel on Longstreet's memoirs, and since Lee died without ever writing his own, a case can be made that the historical record is somewhat skewed. They also do a bit of debunking regarding Chamberlain's decision to do a bayonet charge. Maxwell's most interesting section is when he talks about how they studied the films of Kurosawa and other masters to come up with the best way of shooting battles sequences, which resulted in setting up difficult dolly shots for the Battle on Little Round Top. Civil War buffs will enjoy this commentary much more than film students, but that is totally appropriate for this particular film.

Every year I watch "Gettysburg" on the four days covered in the film, June 30 and July 1-3 (then on the 4th of July I watch "1776"). Only "Glory" is on this level in terms of depicting Civil War battles. This film touches me with the opening credits, where the photographs of these real soldiers are replaced with those of the actors playing them. This is quite evocative, especially when Randy Edleman's evocative score swells as we see the face and name of George Pickett. Even if you have never seen this movie you have undoubtedly heard Edleman's score, which has been used to advertise several films and for the closing credits of the Olympics broadcast. It should have been nominated for an Oscar.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely excellent film making from a historical novel.
Review: I am writing this review after my review of "Gods and General." I realized the measure of any subsequent movie would be "Gettysburg," and the problem is going to be that it is a hard act to follow. Gettysburg is everything a historical novel to movie should be. Start with a Pulitzer prize winning book, "Killer Angels." This is impeccable story telling. On the confederate side, Martin Sheen as Robert E. Lee and Tom Berenger contributed career best performances and compelling chemistry. On the Union side, Jeff Daniels as Colonel Chamberlain, C. Thomas Howell as his brother and Lieutenant, and Kevin Conroy as the tough old Mick Sargeant /veteran, provide the compelling chemistry. Sam Elliot fits the part of a veteran cavalry General perfectly. In fact, I can't think of anyone that fits the part of acting from the saddle better.

If Stonewall Jackson had lived and had surrounded the federal troops at Chancellorsville, the war might have ended. If Lee had listened to Longstreet and withdrew from Gettysburg to high ground of his own choice, he might have won the battle and ended the war. This defensive style of fighting is why Lee earned the nickname "Gray Fox." Lee made the same mistake as Union General Burnside at Fredericksburg in advancing troops uphill against an entrenched enemy while taking canon fire on three sides. If General Meade had pursued Lee out of Gettysburg to where he was backed up against a storm swollen and impassable Potomac River, the war might have ended. Instead, war went on for more than two more years, and the death toll rose to over 615,000 Americans. This section of American history is critically important and what will be a set of three movies will serve a very commendable purpose.

Rating:
Summary: Epic depiction and surprisingly accurate...
Review: "Gettysburg" is a monumental effort to depict the Civil War events of July 3-5,1863 in Pennsylvania and succeeds magnificently on all levels. Both from an historical and theatical perspective, this movie is a "must-see". On the historical side, this movie manages to portray the personalities with both historical accuracy and believability...one cannot help but like and admire the principals on both sides. Tom Berenger is magnificent as "Ol' Pete" Longstreet as is Jeff Daniels playing Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain...I had a little harder time accepting Martin Sheen as R.E. Lee. Although wonderfully acted, Sheen just did not fit my impressions of Lee (I probably have seen him too much on "West Wing"). The battle scenes, to me, were the best I've seen in movie form...both the 20th Maine's stand on Little Roundtop and Pickett's charge were amazingly portrayed and highly accurate...I could not find any historical in-acurracies in any of these scenes (I don't consider myself an expert in Civil War military tactics, however). From a theatrical perspective, this had all the high quality cinematography and direction that makes for epic films...both the battle scenes and the one-on-one personal encounters were wonderfully depicted. For anyone interested at all in the Civil War or anyone wanting to watch a classic movie, this is one to see. I highly recommend it!

Rating:
Summary: A Very Faithful Adaptation of Shaara's Novel!
Review: "Gettysburg" brings one of the best Civil War novels ever written to colorful life. This is a movie about a battle, no doubt about it, and the filmakers have avoided trying to appeal to the widest range of people. Those looking for period romance should look elsewhere.

Gettysburg was the pivotal battle in the Eastern theatre of the Civil War, with the Federal army winning the only clear-cut victory they were to achieve after Malvern Hill. The movie follows five main characters:Union Brigadier General John Buford, Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain of the Union 20th Maine, rebel Brigadier General Lewis Armistead, rebel Lieutenant General James Longstreet, and rebel General Robert E. Lee. Through these men the story of the Battle of Gettysburg is told.

The filming is well done, but as the movie was orginally intended for release as a TV miniseries, the resolution is low. Reenactors were used to depict the two mighty armies who clashed in Pennsylania in July, 1863. They know their hobby: uniforms are meticulously accurate and the view of army life in camp and upon the field of glory feels right. That said, some of the reenactors are pretty overweight, and the Confederates especially lack that "lean and hungry" look that period sources describe.

Several key portions of the battle are covered in depth. The first day is probably the best done: Buford's skillful defense of the high ground to the south of Gettysburg, the rout of the Union right, and the death of General Reynolds are all shown, and the viewer feels the ebb and flow of the fight. The second day focuses on the action at Little Round Top, and that is all. This appraoch works well in the movie, but the climactic fight around the Peach Orchard, the Wheat Field, and Culp's Hill is overlooked. The third day gives up the chance to show us the clash of sabers as Custer charges Stuart's tired troopers and Kilpatrick sacrifices his men in a series of headlong charges against Confederate infantry. Instead, the movie makers choose to focus on Pickett's charge. It is VERY well done. Long lines of rebel infantry advance on the angle, and the enormity of their defeat is readily apparent.

The performances are all top-notch. Martin Sheen's Lee is not quite the charismatic leader of men that the real Lee was, but his agonizing over decisions and simple faith in God will help viewers to identify with the great man. John Buford is played extremely well by veteran Western actor Sam Elliot. But the best performances are turned in by Tom Berenger as Longstreet and Jeff Daniels as Chamberlain.

Look for Ted Turner, playing a rebel officer, to get shot down during Pickett's charge, and Civil War filmmaker Ken Burns, as a Federal staff officer begging General Hancock to seek cover during the Confederate bombardment.

Rating:
Summary: It Just isnt the Same Quality as God And Generals
Review: If your expecting God and Generals your not going to find it here. Lee is different, Jackson actor comes back as some hokey guy at the camp... I mean it bummed me out. Theres this one shot scene that shows Howe, and the guy that played Dumb and Dumber and its very artificial the background etc.,.. I know they are thinking they are being dramatic but we sorta had like this huge laugh over it. I think our society gets dumbed down because we watch so much junk daily... so many people will rate this pretty high. If your standards are Gods and Generals your going to be pretty bummed you paid 15 bucks for the dvd. If your standard is the common TV level movie fair...youll be full on for it. For me and my house... Id rather read a good book !

Rating:
Summary: A magnificent film of the epic battle
Review: Michael Shaara's inspiring Gettysburg epic,THE KILLER ANGELS,is magnificently rendered by Director Ronald Maxwell in a film of almost matchless scope and power.The film tells the story of, perhaps,the pivotal battle of The Civil War; faithfully exploring the three-day clash that altered the history of America and the world. Thousands of Civil War redactor-buffs complement a superb cast headed by Tom Berenger as Lt.General James Longstreet, Lee's best Commander(including Stonewall Jackson)who has been historically criticized(reviled might be the better word)for caution and criticism of Lee's Gettysburg battle strategy. Jeff Daniels stretches himself to the max as mythically heroic,Col. Joshua Chamberlain. His 20th Maine Regiment's--out of bullets--bayonett charge, that may have saved the Union Flank...hence the entire Army of the Potomac...on LITTLE ROUND TOP,July 2, 1863...is the film's dramatic climax. Martin Sheen is excellent as audacious,tactically brilliant General Lee whose belief in a "weak" Federal Center on Cemetary Ridge leads to tragic miscalculation and massacre of thousands of Confederate soldiers in bloody,in-the-killing-zone attack called Picketts's Charge.

Director Maxwell's attention to both technical and historical detail is vastly accomplished.The importance of Cavalry General John Buford's holding action against concentrated infantry strength out-numbering his own force ten-to-one is given proper credit and perspective. Richard Jordan is excellent as General Armistead who gives breath to tragic sorrow of brother fighting brother, as he contemplates attacking...on the Third Day...the position commanded by his once-best friend,General Winfield Hancock.Again and again the film masterfully interweaves the heart-breaking human dimensions with raw slaughter of the battle that killed 56,000 Americans(Lee's retreating...on July 4, 1863...hospital wagons averredly trailed 14 miles!)

Those unfamiliar with the film will be impressed...if not overwhelmed...by Randy Eldeman's majestic score as well as DVD extra's which are rich and informative(including feature-length technical/historical commentary by Director Maxwell and renowned Civil War historian James McPherson).GETTYSBURG may,in fact be THE TEN COMMANDMENTS of Civil War films. Ronald Maxwell and his entourage are to be commended and thanked for such a cinematic tribute to tragedy,heroism and...if President Lincoln is to be credited...Tribulation Necessity of America's bloodiest,most important conflict:THE BATTLE WITH ITSELF.(10 stars)