Gettysburg

Rating:
Summary: Amazing, moving...BRILLIANT!!
Review: How many times have you read a book and loved it, that you go to see the movie and love it as well? Not often, generally when a book catches your heart and mind, you hate the film. To Kill a Mockingbird comes to mind as being one that is superb in both formats. I so love Harper Lee's book, yet the film version catches my heart in the same way. Gettysburg gets on that short list.

Michael Shaara's Pulitzer Prize Winning "Killer Angels" took the pivotal 3-day battle of the Civil War - Gettysburg - and gave you the pathos, the sheer frustration, the anger of a battle that slaughter so many. He gave you Lee, who did not want to fight there, a General who time and again defied all battlefield codes of do not divide your forces in the face of the enemy, who proved a defencive army could defeat a superior offence thrust. He was forced to fight where he did not want - in an offencive battle (same mistake that cost William Wallace Falkirk!). For the first time, Lee was forced fight with the loss of Jackson; with Stuart bent of rubbing the face of his father-in-law and the whole union army in the fact he could right around them, leaving Lee open with no screening, no intelligence as to where the Union army was; to one general who could not follow his orders; to Longstreet 'his old warhorse' who followed them to the letter sending men into a suicidal charge knowing he was sending them to their death.

Martin Sheen brings this Lee alive, so it's amazing to learn he was the 4th choice for the role. Tom Berringer is brilliant as Longstreet, with wonderful performances by Sam Elliot a Brig. Gen. John Buford, Jeff Daniels as Col Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, the mesmerising Kevin Conway as Sgt. 'Buster' Kilrain his long suffering aid, John Diehl (Miami Vice) giving the impassioned speech as representatives of Maine soldiers who just want to go home, William Morgan Sheppard as Maj. Gen. Isaac R. Trimble, pleading for reason in the insanity, Stephen Lang (Manhunter) as the flamboyant Pickett and most especially, the dying Richard Jordon as Brig. Gen. Lewis A. Armistead. His speech to Longstreet is just so painful on two levels. I have always loved Jordon's work, watching him from being introduced in films to this his final role. He was a brilliant actor who died way too young, one I so miss, and his genius shines in his final hour, just as it was Armistead's final hour. It just does not get any more poignant than that.

Also, there are neat cameos of Ken Burns as Hancock's aid and Ted Turner (the film's money-bank)as Col. Waller T. Patton (uncredited).

Please note: Gods and General is the prequel to this, written by Shaara's son Jeff. Ronald F. Maxwell is the director of both films, with Jeff Daniels reprising his role as Chamberlain, as well are C. Thomas Howell as his "don't call me Lawrence" brother and Kevin Conway as his Sergeant. Stephan Lang is in this film as well, but not as Pickett, but playing Stonewall Jackson - Bill Campbell will play Pickett. Robert Duvall, the incomparable, takes over as Lee (wonder which he was 1,2 or 3 choice for Gettysburg??) and Bruce Boxleitner (????) is now playing Longstreet (I shall withhold opinions on that casting change).

In this wide-screen format, you get the full experience. Stunning realisation of Shaara's masterpiece.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing, moving...BRILLIANT!!
Review: How many times have you read a book and loved it, that you go to see the movie and love it as well? Not often, generally it's the other way around. To Kill a Mockingbird comes to mind. I so love Harper Lee's book, yet the film version catches my heart in the same way. Gettysburg gets on that short list.

Michael Shaara's Pulitzer Prize Winning "Killer Angels" took the pivotal 3-day battle of the Civil War - Gettysburg and gave you the pathos, the sheer frustration, the anger of a battle that slaughter so many. He gave you Lee, who did not want to fight there, a General who time and again defied all battlefield codes of do not divide your forces in the face of the enemy, who proved a defencive army could defeat a superior offence thrust. He was forced to fight where he did not want - in an offencive battle (same mistake that cost William Wallace Falkirk!). For the first, Lee was forced fight with the loss of Jackson; with Stuart bent of rubbing the face of his father-in-law and the whole union army in the fact he could right around them, leaving Lee open with no screening, no intelligence as to where the Union army was; to one general who could not follow his orders; to Longstreet 'his old warhorse' who followed them to the letter sending men into a suicidal charge knowing he was sending them to their death.

Martin Sheen brings this Lee alive, so it's amazing to learn he was the 4th choice for the role. Tom Berringer is brilliant as Longstreet, with wonderful performances by Sam Elliot a Brig. Gen. John Buford, Jeff Daniels as Col Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, the mesmerising Kevin Conway as Sgt. 'Buster' Kilrain his long suffering aid, John Diehl (Miami Vice) giving the impassioned speech as representatives of Maine soldier who just want to go home, William Morgan Sheppard as Maj. Gen. Isaac R. Trimble, Stephen Lang (Manhunter) as Pickett and most especially the dying Richard Jordon as Brig. Gen. Lewis A. Armistead. His speech to Longstreet is just so painful on two levels. I have always loved Jordon's work watching him from being introduced in films to this his final role. He was a brilliant actor, one I so miss, and his genius shines in his final hour, just as it was Armistead's final hour. It just does not get any more poignant than that.

Also, there are neat cameos of Ken Burns as Hancock's aid and Ted Turner (the film's money-bank)as Col. Waller T. Patton (uncredited).

Gods and General is the prequel to this, written by Shaara's song Jeff. Ronald F. Maxwell is the director of both films, with Jeff Daniels reprising his role as Chamberlain, as well are C. Thomas Howell as his "don't call me Lawrence" brother and Kevin Conway as his Sergeant. Stephan Lang is in this film as well, but not as Pickett, but playing Stonewall Jackson - Bill Campbell will play Pickett. Robert Duvall, the incomparable as Lee (wonder if he was 1,2 or 3 choice for Gettysburg??) and Bruce Boxleitner (????) taking over a Longstreet (I shall withhold opinions on that casting change).

In this wide-screen format, you get the full experience. Stunning realisation of Shaara's masterpiece.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Civil War Movie
Review: In a time when most war movies seem to have to throw in the requisite love story or use fiction, its refreshing to see a movie that could double as a documentary.
Many people were turned off by the length of the movie, but I wasn't. In fact, the movie probably could have been longer especially as they went into some of the tatical discussions.
The acting in this movie was top notch, although I was a little put off by some of the fake beards, but oh well. The battle scenes in this movie were very intriguing, especially the Pickett's Charge scene. The speech before hand was pretty cool as it highlights what makes people go to war.
However the best part of the movie was the portrayal by Jeff Daniels as Colonel Chamberlain. He played the citizen-soldier to a T. Watching him, I could somehow imagine the person who was thrust into a role that he wasn't really comfortable doing. He did the reluctant warrior really well. When he gave the orders to affix bayonets, chills went down my spine.
Having said this, I can't wait for Gods and Generals.

Rating:
Summary: BRILLIANT!!!!!
Review: If you are a Civil War freak, this movie is for you. No ands ifs or buts about it, this movie is great. This movie is based on the best selling novel by Michael Shaara called "The Killer Angels". I read the book before I saw the movie and it was excellent. I was not to sure what to expect when I was given this movie, but was shocked as to how well it was done. The movie mimics the book wonderfully, and the acting is great, filled with an all-star cast.

The three days of the battle are shown with all the heart and sadness that one can bear. You get a feel of what the soldiers were put through during this terrible war, and during the turning point and most famous battle of the Civil War. There is no doubt in my mind that this is the greatest American History movie of all time.

Rating:
Summary: Authentic Civil War Drama...
Review: ...albeit a bit stilted in places. Still, in all, a VERY emotionally moving film. There are some moments that are among the most powerful ever put to film while there are others that are completely wooden and lifeless. The sheer affrontery of casting Martin "Can I GET Anymore Liberal" Sheen as General Robert E. Lee has to rank as one of THE great casting faux pauxs in film history. I laugh every time I see him get that spacey "I've been smokin' too much of the weed" look in his eyes as he waxes eloquent about God ot "the great cause". But Daniels and Elliot (among others) are absolute strokes of casting genius. They capture the very essence of their characters and make it look easy in doing so. All in all, this is a very rewarding and moving film experience and I would highly recommend it to movie lovers in general and Civil War buffs in particular. It tends to run a bit long, but I would imagine it was the only way to do any justice to the material.

Oh, and by the way...in answer to the following: "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."

Well. The waiting is over. 'Gods And Generals' cometh! I cannot WAIT! Robert Duvall as Lee? Positively inspired. I am sold on the strength of the trailer alone.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Review of Gettysburg
Review: "Gettysburg" is the movie adaptation of Michael Sharra's book "The Killer Angels," winner of the Pulitzer Prize. The film is well acted, especially the roles played by Martin Sheen, Tom Berenger, and Jeff Daniels. As with most movies, "Gettysburg" cannot possibly capture the essence of the characters and the true emotion that the book so eloquently describes. Director Ron Maxwell probably knew this going in, but chose to tackle the events, people, and emotions of the battle anyway. He must be credited for the attempt, as it demonstrates a great courage in filmmaking. What "Gettysburg" does is tries it's best to to communicate all of these events and emotions, and it comes through more often than not. I've both read the book and watched the film several times, and I notice that Mr. Maxwell seems to capture more and more every time I watch it. Particularly fascinating is Robert E. Lee's character (Sheen) and that of General Longstreet (Berenger) as they struggle to grapple with the historic implications of the decision to fight, and the consequences of the horrible losses they suffer. The most stirring part of the film is the depiction of Col. Chamberlain's (Daniels) Maine troops defending Little Round Top on the second day of the battle. Only the book, the movie, and actually visiting Little Round Top have put into perspective the savage fighting that took place there. Kudos to Mr. Maxwell, and a film worth seeing.

Rating:
Summary: Probably the best movie ever made
Review: Without a doubt, this is the most historically accurate movie ever made. The producers made you truly feel as though you were walking up Cemetary Ridge with Pickett's men.

The costumes were historically accurate, and the story line historically correct.

The producers did a great job of telling the human story of both Northern and Southern soldiers, and the great internal conflicts they all had.

This movie had no flaws and will leave you on the edge of your seat wanting more.

Is worth more than the price of the DVD or Tape. Happy watching you will get many years of enjoyment from this DVD

Rating:
Summary: A BAD MOVIE - a depressing movie about a sad, sad story
Review: I'm not rating the movie itself, or its ingredients, I'm rating the feeling it creates. Of course, in the first place, the story it tells is a terrible nightmare that came true, just like WWI and II.
Concerning, the movie : the quality of images, the light, the music, the noise,the soundtrack , the historical reports , the costumes down to the hats, the technology, all the techincal details are prefect, even TOO perfect in a way (how can I dare say that). Most actors are fabulous, the performance is great. Some scenes are excellent, some squarely bad or depressing.
However, among all the sadness, I also perceived a lot of underlying irony, and I can understand part of it but I also hate it ; I felt mostly uneasy watching this movie from start to finish.
The final charge of the Virginians led by Pickett is terrible and very moving; in one way it is an example of utter courage, faith and sacrifice, but such a big mistake essentially.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent effort, nearly great.
Review: The movie "Gettysburg", at over 4 hours in length, is one hell of a long movie, but definitely worth it! If you like American history, and especially American Civil War history, you should love this movie!

This movie quite correctly chronicles in a dramatic way, the Battle of Gettysburg. All in all, it covers the major events of the battle, but certainly does not cover everything, but that's ok. It is simply the best movie/docudrama ever made about the Battle of Gettysburg that has hit the big screen. I didn't say it was the best overall and accurate portrayal of the Battle of Gettysburg. It is a great general view of it.

A lot of criticism has been aimed at this movie by Civil War buffs, mainly because of factual errors of who was on what part of the battlefield, whether or not the men cheered Lee right before Pickett's Charge, etc. I think those errors are there mainly because this movie is based on a work of fictional drama, the book "The Killer Angels", by Michael Shaara.

I loved Tom Berenger as General Longstreet, absolutely adored Jeff Daniels as Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, Sam Elliot as General Buford, and thought Kevin Conway's portrayal of the fictional "Kilrain", was stupendous! Richard Jordan's final performance as General Armisted, is compassionate and fantastic. I didn't like Martin Sheen cast as General Lee, I think he did as good a job as he could have, but wouldn't have cast his as Lee in a million years! I have recently read that Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones had been considered for that role, and would have loved to see either as Lee, than Sheen.

One other note, there is a "long version" of "Gettysburg", that has something like an additional 20-25 minutes of footage that was edited from it. I think that this version is even better, especially for those who aren't as well informed as to the specifics of the battle, as these 20-25 minutes fill in what is not said in the official release.
But, all in all, check out this film, as it is decidedly an excellent effort by the director, Ronald Maxwell. The musical score by Randy Edelman, is stupendous!!!!!

Also, look for cameos by Ken Burns, Ted Turner, and Brian Pohanka.

Rating:
Summary: One Of The Best Civil War films of all time
Review: What makes this one of the best civil war fils of all time is the accuracy, the uniforms were accurate from the hats to the boots or in the Confederacy's case, bare feet.Almost all the battle scenes were filmed at the actual location except for Little Round Top because the hill was too steep and there were too many monuments, so it was filmed at a nearby hill instead.The 4 hour length was a bit shocking at first, but I'd prefer this in an heartbeat to some inaccurate, hollywood style 2 hour film. "Gettysburg" wasn't the least bit boring at all.

The acting was great Jeff Daniels did such a fine job I didn't think of him as the idiot from "Dumb and Dumber" once throughout the film. Tom Berenger did a great job as General James Longstreet sruggling with the agony of sending his army into a valley of death. Martin Sheen was excellent as the quiet gentleman Robert E. Lee, who is faced with many hard choices and problems. Jeff Daniels was touching as "citizen soldier" Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, a former Bowdain college proffesor with no military experience. Stephen Lang who will be playing "Stone wall" Jackson in "Gods and Generals", is great as Pickett but I can't picture him as the tall, lean, and heroic Jackson. Richard Jordan is excellent as my great-great-great-grandfather Lewis Armistead.

I like how the film focuses on the character's emotions more then the action. There was no good and bad side to the Civil War. Same God, same land, different dreams.We go back and forth from the Confederate camps to the Federal camps and your heart goes out to the men on both sides.They both share the same conflicts and heartbreaks.The score and cinematography are beautiful as well. You feel how badly Fedaerals want to preserve the Union and get justice for the slaves and how the Confederacy wants preserve the Olde South. This makes Gettysburg perhaps the best Civil War film ever.