Watch Gettysburg

Gettysburg is a 1993 historical drama film directed by Ronald F. Maxwell, based on the novel The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. The film covers the events of the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the most significant and decisive battles of the American Civil War. It was a turning point in the war, and is often considered one of the most important battles in American history.

The movie stars an ensemble cast, including Tom Berenger as Lieutenant General James Longstreet, Martin Sheen as General Robert E. Lee, and Stephen Lang as Major General George Pickett. Other notable cast members include Jeff Daniels as Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, Sam Elliott as Brigadier General John Buford, and C. Thomas Howell as Lieutenant Thomas Chamberlain.

The film is set in the summer of 1863, when General Lee and his army of Confederate soldiers march into Pennsylvania with the intention of defeating the Union Army and ending the war. The Union Army, led by General George Meade, set up a defensive position on the hills surrounding the town of Gettysburg.

The first half of the movie focuses on the initial skirmishes and clashes between the two armies. We see the role played by Brigadier General John Buford, who is in charge of the Union cavalry. He realizes the strategic importance of holding the high ground, and sacrifices his men to slow down the Confederate advance until reinforcements can arrive.

As the battle progresses, we see the characters on both sides wrestling with the immense carnage and destruction that the war has wrought. There are moments of nobility and valor, as well as scenes that highlight the horrors and brutal realities of war. We see the commanders make difficult decisions, and watch as the soldiers face tremendous chaos and danger.

Tom Berenger is particularly impressive in his role as General Longstreet. He is torn between his love for his men and his belief that the Confederacy cannot win the war. In one poignant scene, he tells Major General George Pickett, “We’ve shed too much blood here, too many lives have been lost already. What if this is God’s punishment for slavery?”

Martin Sheen is also excellent as General Lee, offering a nuanced and complex portrayal of the man who led the Confederate forces. He is depicted as a commander who is resolute in his conviction that the South will succeed, but also struggling with the weight of his responsibilities and the personal toll of the conflict.

Despite its lengthy runtime of four hours, Gettysburg manages to stay engaging and compelling throughout. The battle sequences are expertly filmed and choreographed, creating a sense of realism that will leave viewers spellbound. While there are moments that are intense and harrowing, the film also manages to find moments of levity and humanity that balance out the darker aspects of the story.

Overall, Gettysburg is a fantastic historical drama that is both entertaining and informative. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the Civil War, or for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted film that offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in American history.

Gettysburg is a 1993 drama with a runtime of 4 hours and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.