There was. Boromir talks about it at the Council. The Witch King feinted to test Gondor's defenses, and Boromir denied him the passage - a foothold on the western shore.
Jackson seems to have moved the battle back and drawn Faramir and Frodo into it.
I actually enjoyed that and I did not think I would - mainly because I was enthralled with getting to see the ruins of Osgiliath and the escalating War of the Ring take place there.
I think the only problem is what others have pointed out - Faramir changes his mind a bit abruptly. I think it would have been more compelling to see a more conflicted Faramir deciding to take Frodo back to Gondor but torn in his mind and heart about it, revealing the differences of his character from Boromir's. We really don't get that in the movie, even if he does make the right decision in the end.
Now, I will admit that was abrupt... but this movie has much that is not resolved... which I believe the PJ did on purpose because he is viewing all three movies as one.
When I first met Faramir in the books, I thought he was severe. So, I buy the Faramir that I saw on screen. I thought PJ played him perfectly. I think that ROTK will show the why of Faramir of letting Frodo go which will sharpen the conflict between Denethor and the Faramir/Gandalf pairing.
Yes, the change seemed abrupt, but considering Faramir had witnessed Frodo going up on the wall in full view of the Nazgul, seemingly under the spell of the ring, and the talking to he got from Sam about how Boromir had fallen victin to the ring, I can understand how he would then be reluctant to take it to Gondor. Since Sam told them of their intent to throw it into the fire of Mount Doom, he knew that if they survived and were successful, things would be better for everyone.