Gettysburg Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Bearded guys in funny hats yell at each other for four hours over who gets to own other people.

🍿 Gettysburg: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Gathering Storm: Prelude to Battle

In the spring of 1863, the Confederate Army, led by General Robert E. Lee, marches north into Pennsylvania, initiating a campaign that will culminate in a decisive clash. Union forces, under the command of General George Meade, mobilize to intercept them. The film meticulously sets the stage, introducing key figures and outlining the strategic importance of Gettysburg.

Day One: Initial Engagement

The battle commences on July 1st as Union cavalry, commanded by Brigadier General John Buford, encounters Confederate infantry west of Gettysburg. A fierce engagement ensues as both sides converge on the town. The Union forces, though outnumbered, put up a valiant defense, buying time for the rest of the army to arrive and establish a defensive position.

Day Two: The Struggle for Little Round Top

The second day focuses on the intense fighting for Little Round Top, a crucial hill on the Union’s left flank. Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and the 20th Maine Infantry heroically defend the hill against repeated Confederate assaults. Their courageous stand proves pivotal in securing the Union’s position and preventing a breakthrough.

Day Three: Pickett’s Charge

The final day witnesses General Lee’s desperate gamble: Pickett’s Charge. A massive Confederate assault across open ground towards the center of the Union line. The charge is met with devastating Union artillery and rifle fire, resulting in a horrific defeat for the Confederates. This marks a turning point in the battle and the war.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lieut. Gen. James Longstreet (Tom Berenger): A Confederate general and Robert E. Lee’s trusted advisor who often disagrees with Lee’s strategic decisions.
• Gen. Robert E. Lee (Martin Sheen): The commanding general of the Confederate Army, known for his strategic brilliance and unwavering determination, despite facing internal conflicts and disagreements.
• Maj. Gen. George E. Pickett (Stephen Lang): A Confederate general known for leading the disastrous Pickett’s Charge, a pivotal moment in the Battle of Gettysburg.
• Brig. Gen. Lewis A. Armistead (Richard Jordan): A Confederate general torn between duty and friendship, as he faces his close friend, Union General Winfield Hancock, on the battlefield.
• Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain (Jeff Daniels): A Union colonel and former professor who displays remarkable courage and leadership in defending Little Round Top.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain: “We are an army out to set other men free.” – Chamberlain passionately explains to his men why they are fighting, emphasizing the importance of freedom and equality for all.
• Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain: “If we lose this fight, we lose the war.” – Chamberlain emphasizes the critical importance of the battle to inspire his men.
• Lieut. Gen. James Longstreet: “I don’t want to be here. I wanted to take Culp’s Hill last night but he wouldn’t let me. Now it’s morning. And the ground is covered with Yankees.” – Longstreet expresses his frustration with Lee’s orders and foresees the impending disaster.
• Gen. Robert E. Lee: “It’s all my fault.” – Lee takes responsibility for the devastating failure of Pickett’s Charge, showing his humility and leadership.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $10,769,960
• Worldwide Gross: $10,769,960

💥 Gettysburg Reviews

Personal Review

I remember being floored by this movie when I first saw it. The sheer scale of the battle scenes is impressive, and the cast does a solid job of bringing these historical figures to life. Sure, it’s long, but it’s worth the investment if you’re interested in the Civil War. The performances by Jeff Daniels and Tom Berenger are standouts, really helping to convey the human cost of the conflict. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll. The Pickett’s Charge scene is both horrifying and captivating.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Civil War enthusiasts”
  • “History buffs”
  • “Fans of epic war dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in leadership and strategy”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “War violence”
  • “Death”
  • “Historical depictions of slavery”
  • “Intense battle scenes”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Despite its length and occasional historical inaccuracies, Gettysburg is a respectfully mounted and well-acted Civil War drama that succeeds in bringing the pivotal battle to life.
• Roger Ebert: “I began watching with comparative indifference, and slowly got caught up in the majestic advance of the enterprise; by the end, I had a completely new idea of the reality of war in the 19th century.

Audience Reactions

The battle scenes felt incredibly real and масштабны.: Viewers often praised the movie for its authentic depiction of the battle and its respect for the historical figures.

Jeff Daniels’ portrayal of Colonel Chamberlain was inspirational and emotionally resonant.: Many viewers found Daniels’ performance to be a highlight, praising his ability to convey the moral complexities of the character.

Overall Consensus: A lengthy but respectfully crafted depiction of the Battle of Gettysburg, praised for its scale, performances, and attention to historical detail, despite some inaccuracies and pacing issues.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Thousands of Civil War re-enactors participated in the film, contributing their own uniforms and equipment to enhance the authenticity of the battle scenes.”
• “The movie was filmed on location at Gettysburg National Military Park, adding to the realism and historical accuracy.”
• “Sam Elliott aged his brand new uniform in his motel bathroom in order to make it appear battle worn.”

🖥️ How to Watch Gettysburg?

As of October 2024, ‘Gettysburg’ is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming options and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Gettysburg, you might like these similar films:

• Gods and Generals (2003): Prequel to Gettysburg, covering the earlier battles of the Civil War and providing more context to the characters.
• Glory (1989): Focuses on the story of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, one of the first African-American regiments in the Union Army, exploring themes of courage and equality.
• Cold Mountain (2003): A Civil War drama focusing on a wounded Confederate soldier’s perilous journey home and the woman who awaits him, exploring themes of love, loss, and survival.
• The Patriot (2000): Although set during the American Revolution, it shares similar themes of war, sacrifice, and the fight for freedom, with large-scale battle scenes and compelling character drama.

🛒 Gettysburg Related Products

• Gettysburg (Director’s Cut) [Blu-ray]: Experience the extended director’s cut of Gettysburg in stunning high definition, offering even more insights and details into the pivotal battle.
• The Killer Angels: A Novel: Delve deeper into the story with the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that inspired the movie, offering a more intimate portrayal of the characters and events.
• Civil War Union Infantry Soldier Action Figure: A highly detailed action figure of a Union infantry soldier from the Civil War era, perfect for collectors and history enthusiasts.
• Civil War Trivia Game: Test your knowledge of the Civil War with this engaging trivia game, featuring questions about the battles, leaders, and events of the era.

🎧 Soundtrack

Gettysburg features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Randy Edelman
• “Dixie” – performed by Traditional

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Top 10 Charges of Film!

Ever wondered which movie has the most epic battle charge? This video compiles the top 10, and Gettysburg makes the list! Honestly, seeing it alongside these other classics makes you appreciate its realism even more.

The Gettysburg Address Explained (Feat. John Renn) US History Review

Want to understand the real meaning behind Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address? This video breaks it down in a way that’s actually interesting, and it gives you a whole new perspective on the movie and the Civil War itself. Definitely worth a watch!

Why Pickett’s Charge? Robert E. Lee’s disastrous decision at Gettysburg | US Civil War | american

Ever wondered why Robert E. Lee ordered Pickett’s Charge? This video dives into the strategic thinking (or lack thereof) behind that fateful decision, giving you a better understanding of the battle and Lee’s mindset. I always thought there had to be a good reason, but this video might change your mind!

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