Great Historically Accurate Movie-One of the best War Movies Ever Made

Rating: 10/10 (11 July 2005)

Gettysburg represents all that is great in historical dramas: great acting, superb cinematography, and quality action. The movie's success lies in the fact that it draws its viewers back to the 19th century and helps them understand the importance of the events of July 1-3, 1863.
First, I must talk about the acting. I do not believe there is a poor performance found in this movie. Every part is played to perfection from the stars to the re-enacters who make up the large scale battles that the movie shows. Jeff Daniels, who by the way looks just like the character he portrays, gives a standout performance as Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain of the 20th Maine Regiment. Tom Berenger also nails his part as James Longstreet, who until this book and film was vilified as the man who lost the battle of Gettysburg for the Confederacy. Martin Sheen also accurately portrays Robert E. Lee by putting a human face on a general who has risen to legendary status in the mind of most Americans. The actor who steals the screen is Richard Jordan through his portrayal of General Lewis Armistead. In his final performance before his unfortunate death, this veteran actor brings out the pain and anguish of a man who knows he will die, yet still courageously leads his men in a suicide charge. This is perhaps the greatest performance of his stellar career.
The music also brings out the seriousness of the situation. The score by Randy Edelman is one of the best in the past 15 years in my opinion and the fact that he had to write music for an entire 4 hour film makes his job even more amazing. The sweeping views of battle are very impressive. From the defense of Little Round Top to the audacity of Pickett's Charge, the cinematography gives viewers an almost omniscient view of the battle. One final point about the battle scenes of the film is that this movie was made before the computer graphics of today's war movies were perfected. This makes the scenes all the more realistic and impressive.
Gettysburg is a terrific film about the most important battle of the American Civil War. It should be seen not only by history buffs but all Americans as well. The film assists its viewers in understanding where our country came from and the lessons it teaches can definitely be applied to our struggle with terrorism in the world today.