Most war films are micro in scale. They either focus on special forces, a specific incident or place, or a small unit used as some sort of analog for the wider conflict. Guns of Navarone, Dirty Dozen or Enemy at the Gate for special forces. Zulu, The Great Escape or Empire of the Sun for events. Saving Private Ryan, The Cruel Sea, M*A*S*H, and Fury for the last type.
The scenes between Lee and Longstreet where they argue over the 5 days of the battle what they should do and why take up about an hour. Lee eventually comes out looking like a deluded maniac and Longstreet a man who knows too late that he's doomed. Then the result of that discussion in real time.
(The scene where Lee tells off JEB Stuart is brilliant for the exposure of Southron hypocrisy.)
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It's rare to get a film that focuses on the size of the conflict from commanding generals to private soldiers and also has the space to explore the relationships and decision making processes of the commanders through conversation and can portray the character of the people involved in the decisions rather than just a sketch or cliché.
The scenes between Lee and Longstreet where they argue over the 5 days of the battle what they should do and why take up about an hour. Lee eventually comes out looking like a deluded maniac and Longstreet a man who knows too late that he's doomed. Then the result of that discussion in real time.
(The scene where Lee tells off JEB Stuart is brilliant for the exposure of Southron hypocrisy.)