epic war film

Rating: 10/10 (9 December 2003)

Some people complain that the film is too long. Maybe the film did not need to be 4 hours long, but I do not think that it could have as good at any less than 3 1/2 hours. The first part is great movie making. The characters are set up effectively and scene is set for the epic war scenes. They epic war scenes never come. this film is not about war, but the affects of war on those left behind. the forgotton people of war, the mothers, sisters, and daughters of the soldiers that fight. This is a rare story in which we get the loser's prepective. It is a testament to the acting and directing that we feel for the characters and their problems, even if we do not agree with their political views. the romance of the second half is second to none. it is the second half that makes this film one of the greatest of all time. Classic American tragedy.