What's missing in the screenplay?

Rating: 8/10 (29 January 2009)

A long but very well done epic. However, everyone who has ever read about the Civil War knows that the most stirring moment at the battle of Gettysburg was the charge of the First Minnesota. As the Federal line was about to breached by three Confederate regiments, Gen. Hancook ordered the First Minnesota-commanded by Col. William Colvill-to charge into the gap. Colvill had had differences with Hancock in the past, but his men charged valiantly, and stopped the Confederate advance. How the screenplay of a movie entitled "Gettysburg" could ignore the role of Colvill's men is beyond me. The story of the regiment that took over 80% casualties in order to save the Army of the Potomac had to be told. I know the movie was long, but at the very least Hancock and Meade could have been shown having a brief discussion wherein the incredible courage and sacrifice of the First Minnesota was mentioned.