Glory (1989)

Featured Audience Ratings

• John M

  
  Best Civil War movie ive ever seen. Top to bottom the acting was amazing.

• Phil H

  
  Another long forgotten epic that really is quite a fantastic film, loosely covering the days of Col Robert Shaw and his command of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry around 1862 which consisted of African American soldiers. Upon reading about this film its actually quite… More
  Another long forgotten epic that really is quite a fantastic film, loosely covering the days of Col Robert Shaw and his command of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry around 1862 which consisted of African American soldiers. Upon reading about this film its actually quite impressive how reasonable close the film is to fact, major events are covered within the film such as Shaw and his men refusing pay until they gained equal pay with white troops and even his death seems to be quite accurate, normally these things tend to get a Hollywood make over. I guess the main plus point is the fact the film is based around all the characters and not just Shaw, you care about all the men under his command and get to know many of them well (the main cast), this in turn makes it more emotional as the predictable happens towards the finale. The cast are really on form here too, possibly one of Broderick's best performances despite his marginal acting skills, he still seems too weak and shy to me. Morgan is perfect as the wise older soldier (I think he was born old n wise hehe), Washington makes his first real big film here, maybe a bit too 'in the face' in his performance but the rest is history (no pun intended) and Elwes is solid as the second in command with his classic blonde 'Errol Flynn' type features. I tend to forget this was made way way back in 89 as it looks really spot on with costume, sets, location, stunts, weapons...the works, its all made with the care and attention to detail you would expect in a modern epic. Musical score is probably one of the films biggest factors with a sweeping emotional score combined with choir that really brings home the savage needless death of so many. All in all this is a highly enjoyable historical film that is pretty accurate without stooping to over the top glamorisation (much), looks fantastic and is totally a character driven piece making it completely immersing for the viewer, Broderick even looks like Shaw.

• Alexander D

  
  Based on true Civil War events, this picture was very poignant, brutal, and fantastic. Starring Matthew Broderick as Robert Gould Shaw, a colonel who narrates much of the film with the letters he writes to his parents, GLORY is a well-acted saga about the permission for blacks to… More
  Based on true Civil War events, this picture was very poignant, brutal, and fantastic. Starring Matthew Broderick as Robert Gould Shaw, a colonel who narrates much of the film with the letters he writes to his parents, GLORY is a well-acted saga about the permission for blacks to fight in war. The two main African-American characters we see are Sergeant Major John Rawlins (Morgan Freeman) and Private Trip (Denzel Washington, who was awarded Best Supporting Actor at the 1989 Academy Awards for his outstanding performance). Even though only Denzel Washington won an Oscar for his performance in this film, Matthew Broderick, if anyone, should have won the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Even though he was recognizable through his English accent, his facial hair, and his mid-19th century clothing, his portrayal of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw proved that he is not just Ferris Bueller and he is not just meant for comedic roles.

• AJ V

  
  I had to watch this movie for a class once, I didn't care for it at all, but if you like military movies you'll like it better than me.

• erika b

  
  This is the all time best war film of all.

• Chris W

  
  First and foremost: everything I have to say about this film is being said after taking the historical innacuracies and artistic liberties into consideration. While I am an American historian, the Civil War is not my specialty. I have taken classes on both it and military history… More
  First and foremost: everything I have to say about this film is being said after taking the historical innacuracies and artistic liberties into consideration. While I am an American historian, the Civil War is not my specialty. I have taken classes on both it and military history though. With that out of the way, I can say that Glory is one of the finest and most well-made films about the CIvil War. What makes it even more distinct is that it is the story of the first all-black regiment. In his review, Roger Ebert complained about movies like this where the leaders are all white. It bugged him that it is always like this with the movies. here is one time where the critic needs to look at history. The fact that the 54th Regiment existed to begin with is a miracle enough. The movie also shows that the Union wasn't completely anti-racist either. Two details I'm glad the filmmakers got (mostly) right. One look at this movie makes it obvious that it was designed and planned as a prestige picture, aka "Oscar bait". The film's original release date furthur emphasizes this. There is nothing wrong with that though. Even if this film did not receive the three Oscars that it did, it is still a fantastic film. The casting is quite nice. The supporting actors (including winner Denzel Washington) are brilliant. I really like Broderick as well. He had a hard role to play. Like what his character goes through, he had a lot to prove and a lot of growing up to do. While he's not perfect, he gives probably his best performance considering this was his first real dramatic role. If I were to be really harsh I'd slam him. Not his performance mind you, but the chracterization (from the writing perspective). As I said though, the Civil War is not my specialty, so I am nicer about these kinds of things. As far as the cinematography: I can see why it won the Oscar. The music is also stirring. Zwick's direction is strong. This is the movie that made him an A-lister. As I said, my hisotry gripes have already been considered. I have other gripes as well. The movie is guilty of patronization and emotional manipulation, but it is being presented as a celebratory and inspring piece. While there is nothing wrong with that, it can be too easy to let that become the focus, taking away from the historical basis. The film does a mostly decent job of not letting it get too out of hand. Some of my colleagues would probably think I'm being a little too lenient on this film, and while I know of the danger of letting Hollywood shape one's historical knowledge, I like historical based films (mostly) because they can be used in conjunction with the real deal, and can allow for discussions of why liberties are taken, and that sort of thing. It can be hard to find a balance between history and entertainment, but Glory is successful.

• Jennifer D

  
  I barely remember this. But I remember watching it in middle school, either as historical or racial harmony lesson pieces.

• Randy T

  
  As much as I like this film I still can't shake the nagging suspicion that someone else could have brought a little more depth to the part of Colonel Robert Shaw. Broderick does a good job but his portrayal doesn't entirely ring true. It's as though his 20th century… More
  As much as I like this film I still can't shake the nagging suspicion that someone else could have brought a little more depth to the part of Colonel Robert Shaw. Broderick does a good job but his portrayal doesn't entirely ring true. It's as though his 20th century sensibilities keep him on the cusp of the character without completely melting into it. I'm never unaware that it's an actor playing a part, and that is a distraction (albeit a minor one) from a richly engrossing story.

• Jason S

  
  A great flick and great performances all around. You may not think Ferris Beuller could pull off a serious army colonel but you would be wrong. He brings it all to the role. The rest of the cast is impressive as well with the likes of Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington giving… More
  A great flick and great performances all around. You may not think Ferris Beuller could pull off a serious army colonel but you would be wrong. He brings it all to the role. The rest of the cast is impressive as well with the likes of Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington giving great performances. The whole story is well paced and you really care for the characters as they face all the challenges put in their way. The music is great as well and I know I have heard it play in many a trailer over the years.

• Mike S

  
  Well-directed and beautifully scored Civil War drama, marked by its themes of conflict, sacrifice, integrity and brotherhood. Above all, however, it deals with the subject of racism and prejudice, and does so in a very gripping and powerful way, that leaves no heart untouched. As for… More
  Well-directed and beautifully scored Civil War drama, marked by its themes of conflict, sacrifice, integrity and brotherhood. Above all, however, it deals with the subject of racism and prejudice, and does so in a very gripping and powerful way, that leaves no heart untouched. As for the cast, there's not a single actor in here who doesn't give a solid performance. The most notable of which being Denzel Washington, who steals the show in every scene he's in. It's just strange how it wasn't until recently that I learned of this movie's existence. Because it deserves a lot more attention than it's been given. Especially as it turned out to be one of my favourite movies by Edward Zwick.

• xGary X

  
  Glory is the story of a white liberal Bostonian Colonel who headed the first black regiment in the Union army. Like most of this kind of worthy and well meaning historical dramas, Glory is a little patronizing and guilty of emotional manipulation, sometimes descending into schmaltz.… More
  Glory is the story of a white liberal Bostonian Colonel who headed the first black regiment in the Union army. Like most of this kind of worthy and well meaning historical dramas, Glory is a little patronizing and guilty of emotional manipulation, sometimes descending into schmaltz. What makes the film however is the strong cast, particularly Denzel and Morgan Freeman who share all of the best scenes; particularly when the regiment are ordered to put a civilian Southern town to the torch, and when Freeman finally steps up and puts mean spirited, smart mouthed Denzel in his place. The battle sequences are also well staged and grittily realistic, the final attack especially is well worth the wait. Matthew Broderick didn't entirely convince me as a leader of fighting men, but as a whole it's a well executed tale of an interesting period in American history and a quality war film.

• Taylor B

  
  The second watch was probably even better. One of the best historical films of all time, an epic movie about the the Civil War. The superb performances of Mathew Broderick, Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman make this movie an amazing film.

• E.J. B

  
  Showcases great performances surprisiingly by Matthew Broderick. For an actor whose previous credits included Ferris Bueller, he is a very gifted actor.

• Lorenzo v

  
  Glory is by and far one of the most moving films I have seen in my entire life. The attraction and bond you feel with all the characters is vividly brought to a halt at the ending battle. Although many movies establish a bond between character and viewer, Glory went astray of the main… More
  Glory is by and far one of the most moving films I have seen in my entire life. The attraction and bond you feel with all the characters is vividly brought to a halt at the ending battle. Although many movies establish a bond between character and viewer, Glory went astray of the main path and killed off all of the main characters. Glory's only flaw was the similarity between Denzel Washington's character and many of the other men in the 54th. This results in difficulty in discerning names and faces. However, the bloodshed in the ending scene made for an excellent and tear-jerking ending. 3.5/5

• danny d

  
  one of the best war films of all time, the acting was great and the portrayal of soldier life was difficult but necessary. great film.

• Curtis L

  
  Would be great, but I have to take serious points away for matthew broderick's part in it. I Loathe him.

• moon r

  
  this here's the film w/denzel oscar written all over it...one can only gaze in awe at incredible work

• Bobby H

  
  Historically it was a little different, and the characters you follow in this movie - other then a few - are not real. But, the story of the 54th, and the message its getting out is great. I think its one of the best civil war movies out there. It's a classic, and should be… More
  Historically it was a little different, and the characters you follow in this movie - other then a few - are not real. But, the story of the 54th, and the message its getting out is great. I think its one of the best civil war movies out there. It's a classic, and should be watched!

• Michael S

  
  A perfect historical epic.

• Megan S

  
  I can't really acurately review this movie because the only time I saw it was in my 10th grade high school social studies class. I swear my teacher used to be a nun because she edited half the movie. I mean you can't have a war without blood. But the story was more… More
  I can't really acurately review this movie because the only time I saw it was in my 10th grade high school social studies class. I swear my teacher used to be a nun because she edited half the movie. I mean you can't have a war without blood. But the story was more important of course.

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