231. Glory

Glory (1989)

Director: Edward Zwick

Starring: Matthew Broderick

Denzel Washington

Morgan Freeman

Cary Elwes

IMDb Rating: 7.9

My Rating: 8.5

"There's more to fighting than rest, sir. There's character. There's strength of heart. You should have seen us in action two days ago. We were a sight to see! We'll be ready sir. When do you want us?

In director Edward Zwick's Glory, Colonel Robert Shaw (Matthew Broderick) has been chosen as leader of the first African-American regiment during the American Civil War. He accepts after a little hesitation and then choses Major Cabot Forbes (Cary Ewles) to help him train the 54th Massachusetts for battle. Shaw's childhood friend Thomas (Andre Braugher) is the first African-American to volunteer. Word of the regiment spreads very fast, and soon there are hundreds of men volunteering for service. Joining the regiment are a middle-aged gravedigger named John Rawlins (Morgan Freeman) and a brass escaped slave Tripp (Denzel Washington).

After enlisting, the men are trained in the ways of the military. Even though the men are fighting for the North, racism and bigotry exists within the ranks. The men are paid far less than white soldiers and at first are not provided with uniforms or proper footwear. Col. Shaw soon becomes the voice and inspiration of change within the ranks of his fellow and superior officers. The story of 54th Massachusetts, is an inspirational tale that changed the face of the American and it's military forces forever.

Glory is not only a sensational historical piece, but also a technical achievement in film making. Everything from the costumes to the small towns that are passed through, feels truly authentic. The landscapes of the battle scenes look incredible as well. It's appropriate that America's natural beauty is on display in a film about our greatest change. The final beach battle scene is something that you cannot take your eyes away from. Every blazing shot that is fired is beautiful in the darkness of the night time. The blend of accurate historical facts and gorgeous cinematography, is one of the things that makes this film such a success.

The acting in this film is really where the film finds it's heart. Matthew Broderick's portrayal of Robert Shaw is easily one of his greatest to date. He plays Shaw as a typical unemotional military leader in the beginning, which makes his turn that much more poignant. Morgan Freeman stands out as the man that bridges the gap between the soldiers and Colonel Shaw. It's also no surprise that Denzel Washington won an Academy Award for his role as Tripp. His greatest scene comes as he is being flogged after sneaking out the night before. The look on his face as the whip hits his flesh is the one image that sticks in your head long after the film is over.

I had seen Glory years ago during my first semester of college and enjoyed it very much. I was glad to see that the film leaves you feeling just as inspired the second time around. Director Edward Zwick has definitely found his niche in filmmaking. He really excells at taking historical pieces (see also The Last Samurai and Defiance) and giving them an emotional connection that knows how to really draw in an audience. Glory is a must-see film that inspires, just as much as it's entertains.