Leaves Out To Much Of The Epic Battle But Still Good

Rating: 8/10 (26 March 2005)

(Possible Spoilers)
Don't get me wrong I liked the film but Gettysburg left out way to much of the battle for a great war movie. Set in 1863 as the Civil War rages on we follow the true-life stories of Col. Chamberlain (USA), Gen. Longstreet (CSA), and Gen. Robert E. Lee (CSA) through the three fateful days.
The film leaves out way to much of the first day, it only shows part Little Round Top on the second day, and finish's with the infamous Pickett's Charge. If you weren't a Civil War buff (like myself) you would never believe that fifty thousand men were killed at the battle.
The film is better than Gods and Generals (2003) but not by much. the film leaves out major engagements in The Wheatfield, The Peach Orchard, and East Cavalry Field. But the film does with a three day battle could be shoved into a 3+ hour film. It would have done much better as a mini-series but what can you do now.
Jeff Daniels as military Colonel Joshua Lawerence Chamberlain caught me completely off guard after seeing his work in Dumb and Dumber (1994) but did a fantastic job. The other acting jobs are solid. The on film location was completely accurate along with uniforms and weapon usage.
Acting is good, Stephen Lang with a stellar performance. The film is more easy to watch than its successor Gods and Generals and is quite entertaining.
Gettysburg. Starring: Jeff Daniels, Tom Berenger, Martin Sheen, and Stephen Lang. 4 out of 5 Stars.