Gettysburg MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -1 1/2

GETTYSBURG is the engrossing and poignant retelling of the most famous battle in American history, the battle of Gettysburg (PA) in 1863 during the Civil War. For three courageous days, the Union and Confederate armies engage in a series of intense battles. The Union holds the high ground and the Confederates mount huge infantry and artillery assaults against them. Thousands fall to musket and cannon fire, and some in hand to hand bayonet battles. In a climatic effort, the Confederacy launches Pickett's famous charge across a broad open field. Some 15,000 Confederate soldiers march into a hail of bullets and cannon fire and, with the outcome, the tide of the war turns. Behind the scenes strategizing and some fierce disagreements between military commanders add drama and impact to the story. Running time of the film is about four hours with a mid point intermission. Martin Sheen plays General Robt. E. Lee. Other leading military commanders are portrayed by Tom Berenger, Jeff Daniels, Sam Elliott, Stephen Lang, Richard Jordan and Thomas Howell. GETTYSBURG will appeal primarily to adults, but teenagers may find it interesting and a good lesson in American history.

Adding a sense of intimacy and pathos, the officers and men discuss their motives for fighting and share their personal feelings about the war. Many have a deep religious faith and quote scripture. General Lee continually seeks God's guidance. One of the Confederate officers is a close friend of the Union Army commander and agonizes over meeting him in battle. Decency and compassion are prevalent among the officers and men, but most are firmly committed to their cause. Though the story is about fighting men, no obscenities or regular profanities are spoken, but a number of mild crude words and one moderate crudity are used. No sexual situations are included. Although the fighting often becomes intense, it is not gory or graphic and very little blood is shown. Close ups of injuries occur only rarely. GETTYSBURG is too complex for children under 12, but it is appropriate for all other ages.

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: New Line Cinema, 888 7th Ave., 20th Floor, NY, NY 10106