Horses of Gettysburg

Horses of Gettysburg, from 2006, offers a fresh perspective on the Civil War – seen through the eyes of the soldiers whose duties put them directly in the flight path of vast cavalry charges and infantry advances. Directed by Ron Maxwell, the documentary delves into the significant role these horses played in the violent confrontation, dramatically altering the course of American history.

The movie explores the 1863 Gettysburg Battle fought in the small town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, during the American Civil War. However, instead of human soldiers, the spotlight shifts onto the four-legged heroes of the battlefield. The narrative is woven together with in-depth interviews with scholars and historians, animated maps, period images and photos, artwork, and, of course, vivid re-enactments from the epic war.

There's an introductory section that provides viewers with background information about war horses before the Civil War broke out, tracing their evolution from farm use to cavalry mounts in an era dominated by artillery and infantry. The first-person accounts and letters being read out add substance, painting a poignant picture of these noble creatures' bonds with their human counterparts on the battlefield.

The core of the narrative, however, unfolds around the Battle of Gettysburg itself, driven by a unique perspective. Maxwell's creation goes above and beyond other cinematic portrayals by foregrounding the universal suffering of thousands of horses during the deadly confrontation, which saw casualties in the form of about 5,000 horses.

This two-hour documentary, filmed in high definition, reveals the compelling stories of these forgotten heroes who endured heartbreaking loss, immense fatigue, and the deadly horrors of huge battles. Their roles were invaluable: hauling guns, carrying riders, pulling ambulances, acting as the only mean of communication, and even dying on the frontline as shields for their riders.

One of the great achievements of Horses of Gettysburg is the careful balance it strikes between academic precision and a soul-stirring narrative. It does not sidestep the grim reality of the battlefield, yet it also finds space to explore the deep bond that evolved between soldiers and their horses, a bond brought about due to the shared extremity of war.

Maxwell's direction and Ric Burns' writing skillfully highlight the strategic importance of horses in warfare. Using high-quality reproduction equipment, the movie focuses on critical examples of cavalry movements during the war, such as the famous East Cavalry Field action and Farnsworth's Charge, generating an authentic and gripping portrayal of both the desperate heroic actions and the tactical blunders of war.

The movie also features interviews with renowned historians like James McPherson, Edwin Bearrs, and Gabor Boritt, offering viewers deeper insights into how crucial these horses' roles were. The DVD version even holds extra features such as witness statements from battlefield explorers, focusing on monuments dedicated to horses, bringing their contributions to light.

Despite sounding like a niche, Horses of Gettysburg will undoubtedly captivate a wide audience. The documentary's strengths lie not just in its rich historical commentary and beautiful cinematography, but also in its ability to provoke emotion. The depiction of the human-animal bond under the most dire of circumstances is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, bringing an unusual level of empathy to what could easily have been a dry recount of past events.

Though produced for Civil War and equestrian enthusiasts, it's a must-watch for anyone interested in American history, appreciating the extraordinary, unsung contributions of horses in shaping the nation's past. It honors the memory of these animals, immortalizing them in the annals of American history.

In conclusion, Ron Maxwell's Horses of Gettysburg serves as a monument to the memory of these horses and the men who rode them. It celebrates their bravery and dedication amidst chaos and terror, offering a moving tribute to these forgotten heroes of American history. It's a beautifully crafted, intensely immersive, and educational journey that takes viewers back in time to one of the most tumultuous episodes in American history. This documentary stands as a significant contribution to understanding the complex tapestry of a war that defined a nation.