Glory tells the story of the United States 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, the African-American unit that gained distinction in the American Civil War.
The film was well-received by both critics and moviegoers after it debuted in December of1989, and it would win three Academy Awards. Its power has not waned in the 20 years since its release.
Directed by Edward Zwick, Glory is an emotional work marked by breathtaking cinematography, a moving score, and fine acting.
Denzel Washington won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of a bitter private, and the film also received Oscars for Best Cinematography (Freddie Francis) and Best Sound (Donald O. Mitchell, Greg C. Rudolph, Elliot Tyson, Russell Williams II).
Glory was released on Blu-Ray in June of 2009 -- something that makes the picture even more worth another look today.
Glory Features Memorable Characters
In some respects, Glory is a standard "unit film," following a group of soldiers as they overcome differences, conquer personal demons and become an effective singular force. In this case, they battle racial prejudice, and a lot of it comes from within their own ranks. Confederates rarely appear and barely utter a word.
Col. Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick) and Maj. Cabot Forbes (Cary Elwes) lead a regiment that includes angry Trip (Washington), well-educated Thomas Searles (Andre Braugher), deadeye shot Jupiter Sharts (Jihmi Kennedy), and John Rollins (Morgan Freeman), an older soldier who becomes the group's father figure.
Washington received the Oscar, but there are strong efforts everywhere. Shaw turns in an effectively low-key performance as the idealistic Shaw, Elwes is a standout as the more easygoing Forbes, and Braugher is excellent as the physically awkward Searles.
A memorable performance is also turned in by John Finn as Sgt. Major Mulcahy, the veteran Irish drill sergeant who kicks the men into shape.
Glory's Finest Moments
The violence of the opening sequence -- a graphic depiction of the Battle of Antietam -- lets the viewer know immediately that the story will be no walk in the park. And there are equally compelling scenes throughout the film.
Some of them are beautiful, such as the regiment's march through Boston on its way to front lines, and the moment when Col. Shaw lets his horse loose before the regiment's assault on Fort Wagner.
Others are horrific, such as the regiment's first combat engagement at James Island; and of course, the climactic attack.
Glory is also an accurate depiction of conditions during the period. Yes, Civil War troops often did just line up and takes turns blasting each other like they did in Glory's James Island sequence.
Shaw is the only major character in the film who actually existed, and Broderick's narration from real-life Shaw letter adds a touch of authenticity.
Glory Is Not A Perfect Film
Glory is not perfect -- not quite.
There are several factual errors. For instance, the 54th Massachusetts is portrayed in the movie as consisting of runaway slaves. In real life, the regiment's ranks were filled mostly by freed men from the North.
Continuity problems exist also, most notably in the James Island battle sequence.
The regiment is show firing with rifles that do not have bayonets. A second later, the soldiers are shown from behind, and the rifles do have bayonets. The troops fire another volley -- without bayonets -- then go charging at the rifles an instant later with bayonets fixed.
Later in the battle, Trip throws down a Confederate soldier, whose hat flies off. Another shot shows Trip wrestling with the Rebel, whose hat is suddenly back on.
But in the long run, those goofs are minor -- perhaps noticeable only after repeated viewings.
The bottom line is that Glory is great storytelling; and the story is as compelling in 2009 as it was in 1989. The movie portrayed African Americans overcoming prejudice, but its lessons could apply to virtually any persecuted group.
