My Favorite Film

Rating: 9/10 (22 May 2003)

This is one of the greatest films ever made. It is a riveting account of the most famous battle of the Civil War, and actually serves as a fairly accurate historical account of the battle. First, it shifts the blame from General Longstreet, where it has been traditionally directed, to General Lee, whom modern scholars such as Alan T. Nolan blame for the loss. The performances, particularly Martin Sheen, as Robert E. Lee, are tremendous. Sheen should have been nominated for an Oscar for recreating this tragic figure. The battle recreations are very convincing, yet bloodless enough so that a parent could show the film to his or her child without any worry. Everyone should see this movie.