Many people complain about how long this film is, but they miss the point. The film depicts one of the most crucial and decisive battles of the American Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg, which lasted for three days in July 1863. The film tries to capture the historical significance and the human drama of this epic struggle, which resulted in more than 50,000 casualties and changed the course of the war.I agree that the film's length can be a drawback, but it does not diminish its quality. The film is mostly accurate in portraying the events and the characters involved in the battle, with some minor exceptions (eg. Chamberlain and the 20th Maine at Picket's Charge - they were actually held in reserve near the Round Tops with the rest of the V Corps and did not participate in the final assault). The film also benefits from the use of thousands of professional re-enactors who recreate the battle scenes with authenticity and realism.The film does not cover every aspect of the battle, but focuses on some key moments and personalities. The film mainly follows Joshua L. Chamberlain and the 20th Maine, who defended Little Round Top on July 2 and prevented the Confederates from flanking the Union army. The film also shows some skirmishes at the Herr Tavern, McPherson's Hill, Little Round Top, and Picket's Charge, which were all important parts of the battle. Some details are omitted or simplified (eg. Vincent was mortally wounded on Little Round Top; this is mentioned briefly in the film), but this is understandable given the film's scope and perspective. The film's cinematography (by Kees Van Oostrum) is stunning and captures the beauty and horror of the battlefield. The acting is also superb, with Tom Berenger (Longstreet), Martin Sheen (Lee), Jeff Daniels (Chamberlain), C. Thomas Howell (Tom Chamberlain), Sam Elliot (Buford), and many others delivering excellent performances. A notable example is Richard Jordan as Lewis Armistead, who led his brigade in Picket's Charge and died after reaching the Union lines. His friendship with Union general Hancock, who was wounded on Cemetery Ridge, adds a poignant touch to the story. The battle scenes are spectacular and realistic; Picket's Charge, which lasts for 15 minutes in real time, is a masterpiece of filmmaking, showing the courage and futility of the Confederate attack. The fight for Little Round Top is also thrilling and intense, showing how Chamberlain and his men held their ground against repeated assaults by the 44th Alabama (this is correct) and other Confederate regiments. When Chamberlain orders a bayonet charge and drives his enemies off the hill, it is a triumphant moment. However, I think it would have been interesting to show more of the Confederate side as well, since they also had many brave and fascinating stories among them (e.g., William Oates, who commanded the 44th Alabama and lost his brother John in the battle; he later wrote a memoir about his experience). The film also neglects some of the heroics of other Union soldiers who fought on Little Round Top, such as Vincent himself, who was promoted to brigadier general on his deathbed, and Patrick O'Rourke, who led his New York regiment in a counterattack that saved Vincent's right flank and was killed in action. But these are minor flaws in an otherwise great movie. I give it seven out of ten. 0efd9a6b88
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