I wasn't overly enamoured by the visual effects - they were OK, but didn't really 'wow' me. Many of the fight scenes were cringe-worthy (a twirl is the surest action to get oneself stabbed in the back by any half competent opponent).

But I felt nothing for the characters and the "story".

But yes, exactly. The story is of one of the most important and incredible battles in human history. To neglect that is inexcusable.