Gettysburg (1993)

VHS COVER/SIDE

Length of film:  254 Minutes (Directors Cut: 271 Minutes)

Rating: PG

Genre: Drama, History, War

Director: Ron Maxwell

Starring: Tom Berenger, Martin Sheen, Jeff Daniels

IMDB Rank: 7.6/10

Part 1 Time: 142 Minutes (Directors Cut: 157 Minutes)

Part 2 Time: 112 Minutes (Directors Cut: 114 Minutes)

Where does the first part end? Following the successful Union defence of Little Round Top by Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlian (Jeff Daniels) and the 20th Maine core.

Final line of dialogue on the first part:  “I Guess I’ll Remember that” Col. Chamberlian states to another Union solider. Solider asks Chamberlian “Guess I’ll move the men out?” Col. Chamberlian responds “Go ahead.”

First line of dialogue on the second part:  “Sam?” Confederate surgeon speaks to wounded solider and Confederate Lt. General. James Longstreet (Tom Berenger) at confederate camp medical

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, Col. Chamberlian is able to withstand the Confederate attack on Little Round Top. This is a great accomplishment for him, the 20th Maine troops and the Union army, but the Gettysburg battle still rages on and the Confederates have not been broken.

Which part is better? Part one focuses on the first two days of the Gettysburg battle, while part two documents the third and final day. Both parts show the brutality of this battle and the importance/turning point it had for both armies in the United States Civil War. Part two is given a slight edge as it concludes the battle, fully showing the spirit and willpower of the Confederate army attempting to make one last final push to break through the Union stronghold.

Academy Awards: None