Glory (Special Edition)

Rating:
Summary: An Inspirational Movie
Review: This is one of my favorite movies. I normally do not like war movies, or movies that feature a lot of battle sequences for that matter. However, this movie has all of the features of fantastic storytelling. Unlike many other war movies- this one has a clear plot progression and characters that develop over the course of the film. For instance the development of Denzel Washington's character from a recalcitrant man who takes nothing seriously to someone focused and determined is very compelling.

I also like this movie because of some of the issues they raise. Yes, the Union decided to enlist black soldiers, but they paid them half as much as white soldiers, and many black soldiers did the "dirty work" behind the scenes.

I have read another review that criticised the casting of Matthew Broderick as the main character, Robert Gould Shaw, who is the Colonel for the 54th Regiment. However, the fact that Broderick is a somewhat softspoken and diminutive in stature makes his bravery more poignant.

The Civil War was interesting because it was a war of principle and ideals in many ways. The 54th regiment captured the spirit of a group of people who were eager to fight on behalf of themselves and what the war represented. The fact that most of them die makes the title of the movie very ironic.

Rating:
Summary: An aptly titled movie
Review: Glory follows the story of the all-black Massachusetts 54th regimen, who are just looking to join the fight for their freedom. This is an excellent movie with a stellar performance from Morgan Freeman, a breakthrough, and charged performance from Denzel Washington, and two outstanding yet overlooked performances from Andre Braugher as Thomas Searles, and Jihmi Kennedy as Juniper Sharts. Matthew Broderick did a good job as Shaw, but the accent was terrible and the character never was consistent. Forbes, played by Cary Elwes, did not get the development needed to have a great impact on the movie. That being said, it is a great picture and a must have.

Rating:
Summary: A powerful history lesson!
Review: A powerful history lesson!

I'm a big Denzel Washington fan and this has got to be one of my favorite films from this gifted and talented actor. Strong performances are given across the board from Denzel, Morgan Freeman, Cary Elwes and Matthew Broderick.

I've watched this film many times and I still come away with a feeling of respect and admiration for the soldiers of the 54th regimen who gave there all for what they believed in. There are some scenes in Glory that are a bit graphic, but it does shed some light on how the battles were fought during the Civil War period.

Matthew Broderick plays Colonel Robert Gould Shaw who enlists the services of a friend Major Cabot Forbes, played by Cary Elwes to organize and train a group of black solders to fight for the Union. One of those soldiers, Private Trip (Denzel Washington) displays enormous courage, but does not truly understand his role in the war. Being a runaway slave has only taught him to look out for himself and it shows. Nevertheless, he begins to learn more about why he is there and gains a new understanding and respect for the men around him.

This film is a great history lesson even if some parts may not be entirely factual. We must remember that there was an all-black 54th Massachusetts and this alone should pursued those who desire to learn more about American Civil War History to seek out additional information on the brave men of this Infantry.

The scene before the final battle, along with the music as song by the Harlem Boys Choir is simply beautiful and yet sad. It resonates to the soul and calls upon a time of what must have been. I commend James Horner for such an incredible score, which complements the film perfectly. Mr Horner also wrote the scores to Braveheart, The Last of the Mohicans and Rudy. Highly recommended!!!


Rating:
Summary: Decent only because of Freemen and Washington!
Review: Amidst an annoying angelic choir that always seemed to chime in at the weepy moments the only thing saving this film is Morgan Freemen and Denzel Washington who both play opposite sides of the track.
Morgan appreciates what this opportunity means to the dignity of the men who are serving with him, that this is indeed a glorius moment for them as they are entrusted with weapons and taught to soldier, to defend themselves and walk proudly. To take part in the greater community and help the Union Army and thereby help themselves in the process.
Denzel though is bitter, resentfull, mistrusting of the white man intentions.

"You can talk like a white man, you can march like a white man, you can even dress like the white man, but the only thing you will ever be to the white man is an ugly ol chimp in a blue suit"

The confrontations between these two disparate points of view are worth the view of the movie.

Broderick is wasted here. His awfull accent is unconvincing which is a shame as he lends a fervor to role of the man charged with shaping up the Black regiment under his command and he brooks no dissent nor any abuse from outside commanders who seek to exploit his men.

Watch it once, there are good moments but not enough to justify the long running time.

Rating:
Summary: Pride for my ancestors and soliders
Review: This film that features exceptional actors portrays the 54th Massachuetts African-American Regiment in a brave and positive light. Upon reviewing the film for my 11th grade students, I was considering whether the full version. I decided to use the full version to show my students the full effect of how the Civil War was for America at the time. I find the movie phenomenal because it not only touches on key concepts my students need to know about the Civil War, but it also displays the interpersonal relationships of racial issues that plagued the United States at the time. which fueled the fire of the Civil War. As an African-American woman, I felt both sadness and pride for my ancestors that were ridiculed for trying to fight in the War; but with courage, pride and steadfast determination fought for what they believed in. This movie should be viewed by everyone especially students learning about the Civil War.

Rating:
Summary: "We were a sight to see!"
Review: Edward Zwick's "Glory" is a Civil War tale from a different perspective. Oftentimes the contributions of African-Americans to the Union's war effort have never been given their just due in the various chronicles of the War. "Glory" attempts to correct this oversight by shining the spotlight on a relatively little-known chapter in history.

Colonel Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick) returns home after being injured in battle at Antietam. He learns that the Union is planning to organize black soldiers into a new regiment. When he is offered command of this regiment, Shaw accepts and takes along Major Cabot Forbes (Cary Elwes) to help him train the troops. The new soldiers include Private Trip (Denzel Washington), Private Jupiter Sharts (Jihmi Kennedy), Corporal Thomas Searles (Andre Braugher), and the wise Sgt. Maj. John Rawlins (Morgan Freeman). There are growing pains and tension as the officers and enlisted men interact with each other, but eventually the Massachusetts 54th coalesces into a viable fighting force.

While the battle scenes in "Glory" are outstanding, it is the attention to the men inhabiting the film that is most responsible for making it special. All of the characters are written exceptionally well and the actors that fill the various roles do outstanding work across the board. Broderick surprises in a role that seems ill-suited for him and Washington and Freeman are exceptional as usual. "Glory" also manages to effectively critique the cultural dynamics of the era without becoming overly-preachy. Difficult issues and ingrained attitudes are honestly explored and not glossed over in order to play it safe. This is the rare film that manages to not only entertain but to give you something to mull over when upon its conclusion.


Rating:
Summary: A Great American Movie!
Review: This is one of the most historically acurate films about the Civil War. Not only that, it's one of the best acted and best shot movie in many years. Denzel Washington's performance is worth the Oscar he recieved. Matthew Broderick and Morgan Freeman are also exceptional. It's an unforgetable film about an event that changed the course of history.

Rating:
Summary: HOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
Review: THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES I HAVE EVER SEEN!
Matthew Broderick is AMAZING buy it and you won't be disapointed.