Glory

Rating:
Summary: One of the best Civil War movies of all time
Review: This is a war movie that has it all. There are the excellent battle sequences. They are necessarily brutal, yet not overdone. (Seeing columns of soldiers firing into each other at 30 yards sent chills down my spine.) We most certainly get the idea that war is not fun and to volunteer for duty after having been in battle, as Colonal Shaw and his men do, takes extreme courage and conviction. But ultimately, this movie is character-driven. White officers and black soldiers learn to work together and respect one another. The cast is superb (Matthew Broderick, Carey Elwes, Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington to name a few) There is not a weak performance in the lot.

And while this movie does delve into the rudimentary development of race relations in this country, it still is a war movie. The North is not portrayed as angelic, nor the South demonic ... The men of the 54th must struggle for respect from both but first they must respect themselves. Their action in battle shows us just how well they have succeeded.

Excellent movie.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Perfromances by Broderick and Washington
Review: Even as the Civil War was being fought, it was history in the making, and one of it's many chapters involved a stretch of beach on a peninsula in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, where in July of 1863, the Confederates had ensconced themselves in the strategically prominent Fort Wagner. And the Federal command had determined that it must be taken at all costs. But it would be a veritable suicide mission for the regiment that served as the vanguard of the assault; therefore, volunteers were called upon, rather than being chosen arbitrarily by the General in command. At this point, a young Colonel from Boston, Robert Gould Shaw, stepped forward to offer his regiment, the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, the first unit comprised of black soldiers in the history of the U.S. Army, for the job. "Glory," directed by Edward Zwick, is their story.

Soon after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, the Army was opened up to blacks; and the first to respond were those who ultimately made up the 54th. Shaw, an abolitionist, was approached about taking command, and he accepted, putting his beliefs on the line and determining to make real soldiers of these men. And he did. In the beginning, however, he had no idea of the formidable task awaiting them in the not too distant future, when they would face an enemy bastion that was heavily fortified, well manned and which maintained a decidedly advantageous position geographically. But leading up to that, Shaw had his men trained properly and stood by them as they formed the bonds amongst themselves that ultimately saw them through the battles they had to fight, on the field and off. It was rough going; but under Shaw's command, they were able to secure something they had never had in their lives-- dignity as human beings.

Going into this project, director Zwick was adamant about adhering to historical accuracy in all areas of the story, from the events themselves, to the smallest, seemingly insignificant details they would put on the screen. And he succeeded. When the soldiers of the 54th, for example, are informed that their pay would be ten dollars a month, minus three dollars for clothing expenses-- seven real dollars pay-- instead of the thirteen they had been promised (which was the pay the white soldiers received), Shaw and his officers, in a show of solidarity, tear up their own pay envelopes and refuse to accept their wages until their men get their full pay. The battles, as well, from Antietam to Fort Wagner, are authentically represented. The assault on Fort Wagner, especially, seems like an almost romantic notion of gallantry, but the fact that if happened just as depicted here makes it all the more involving. Zwick painstakingly recreated every aspect of the battle, and sets it up geographically and in such a way that the viewer is able to anticipate, without getting lost as the action unfolds. The outcome of the battle is, of course, a matter of historic record, and especially for those well versed in the history of the Civil War, this film should be an entirely satisfying experience.

Matthew Broderick gives an engaging, understated performance as Shaw that captures the essence of the man, whom we get to know initially through his own words, from the letters he wrote home during his time in the Army (which are now kept in the Houghton Library at Harvard University). The film begins, in fact, with one of Shaw's letters being read over the action. Throughout the film, Zwick uses this method to move the story along, as well as to give some real insight into Shaw, and through his thoughts, the men of the 54th and the events in which they are engaged. And Broderick seems to embody the man you picture as being the author of the words being read. He portrays Shaw, not as a cinematic, John Wayne type superhero, but heroic in a very real sense; as he leads his men against Fort Wagner, you see a man obviously afraid, but determined to uphold his principles and ideals, for which he is willing to die. It's not a flashy role, but Broderick, by creating a character to whom virtually everyone will be able to relate and sympathize, is clearly the strength and the star of the film.

There are a number of outstanding performances in supporting roles, also, particularly Denzel Washington, who received the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Trip, the embittered former slave who is at war, not only with the Confederates, but with life. Trip is a complex character, and Washington gets to his soul, awakening the bitterness as well as the somewhat caustic humor with which he wages his daily battles. From the first scene in which he appears, Washington dominates the screen, even in the scenes in which Trip is not the center of attention. It's a powerful performance, without question deserving of the Award. Morgan Freeman gives a memorable performance, as well, as Sergeant Major John Rawlins, the elder statesmen of the 54th, who in his way sets an example for the younger soldiers, and eventually even Trip. Also worthy of mention are Andre Braugher, as Thomas, and Jihmi Kennedy as Jupiter Sharts.

The supporting cast includes Cary Elwes (Major Forbes), John Finn (Mulcahy), Donovan Leitch (Morse), Bob Gunton (Harker), Cliff De Young (Montgomery) and Jay O. Sanders (General Strong). Beginning with an accurate and insightful screenplay (by Kevin Jarre), Zwick uses all the tools at his disposal, including great cinematography (by Freddie Francis, who received the Oscar) and some memorable performances, to deliver an unforgettable and historically significant film. Zwick is to be commended for the honesty of this film, and for maintaining the integrity of the story, which he never embellished simply for dramatic effect, which simply wasn't necessary; the drama that the 54th Massachusetts played out in real life was enough. And that is what Zwick presents, in "Glory."

Rating:
Summary: Awesome Movie!
Review: Another movie that goes on my top 25 list!

Rating:
Summary: Glory: beautiful!!!
Review: I recently viewed this movie in my history class, and was so moved by it. It made me cry, but my viewing experience was hindered by the laughs of my irresposible and undignified classmates. I then rented the movie from Blockbuster and was able to enjoy it fully (and uncut) within the privacy of my home. 'Glory' is a must see for all movie go-ers. The soundtrack has been done magnificently by James Horner, adding to the suspense, drama, and depression of this wonderful film. The best movie I've seen yet!

Rating:
Summary: Great movie
Review: I saw this movie in my 8th grade history class just a couple of days ago and I loved it. One of the most touching yet exciting movies you can see.

Rating:
Summary: Unbelievable!
Review: Of all the films that I have ever seen, no film has stayed with me like Glory did. Although I was only eight when the film first played in movie theatres, I was able to fully appreciate the story and waas able to get something out of it. It mixes strength of character with the bitter reality in which they movie is set. Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington and Matthew Broderick all did superb jobs and showed us not only the brutality of war, but the bitter fact of racism. But from out of insurmountable odds, the black soldiers of the Massachussetts 54th did not let that stop them from serving their nation with courage and honor. For that, I commend them. But in addition to that, this film also does a fantastic job balancing the big picture with the smaller details. Perhaps if all historically based movies were as good as this, more people would find history interesting.

Rating:
Summary: This special edition of "Glory" leaves no room for doubt...
Review: that Edward Zwick directed one of the top 10 films of the '80's. Ignored for the "big" Academy awards, the film has become a classic on VHS and DVD. This version allows the watcher to view in either widescreen or full screen. Each CD has different special features and all are laudable. I especially enjoyed the feature with Morgan Freeman narrarating the related documentary.

All the effects of war demonstrated by Spielberg in "Private Ryan" are covered in realistic detail at the time of the Civil War. The tale is of the 54th - a division of the Union army, staffed, through political pressure of the day, with Negro soldiers and white officers. The complexity of emancipation is demonstrated throughout the division, in gathering Negroes from all walks of life. Andre Braugher is unforgettable as Thomas, a second generation "free man", well educated, and completely unfamiliar and uncomfortable with his fellow black men. Newly freed slaves mingle and learn with black men who have been outside the yoke of slavery for many years. The parochialism of even the abolitionists when it comes to understanding the rich texture of the Negro experience in the 19th century is vested in the officers of the regiment.

Denzel Washington took home the only major Oscar, for best supporting actor. His role can be best described by viewing the two most powerful scenes in the movie - his punishment at the hands of the white colonel, and his leadership in the "paycheck" rebellion. Braugher, Washington & Freeman have all reaped rewards in 90's film and TV by virtue of their strong performances here. Matthew Broderick lets you know that he is not only a gifted comedic actor, but a believable hero in a lead dramatic role.

The music is brilliant. It soars above the commonplace scenes of soldiers' lives and the battleground clashes as though it was always there.

It is difficult to define the impact this film had on me, and why I regard it with such esteem. I only know that I return to it every 18 months or so, to view what is a truly satisfying experience in filmmaking.

Rating:
Summary: Beat this, Titanic!
Review: I first saw this movie when I was 8 years old back in 1993 and loved it, this is what I have to say: The acting is great, the score can make you cry if the ending, in some way or another doesn't, there is action when needed and drama when needed. This movie has every positive aspect you can think of. It isn't too long nor too short. Matthew Broderick does a performance like no other and Carey Elwes is even better. Too bad he is a very underrated actor. He should have won an Oscar for his excellant acting in this movie. Morgan Freeman is, as usual, awesome. Denzel is, too. I just don't get why he got an Oscar, the other 3 actors all did much better than him. Andre Braugher did the best job I've ever seen for a first time film actor, Oscar quality. Anyways, on to the DVD. You pay 24 bucks and you get yourself two movies if you want to share with a friend *wink*. The first disc has a widescreen version of Glory on it which isn't too narrow for us people with normal TV. It also has a really cool animated menu and a picture-in-picture commentary, and it is very nice to see the actors talking about the movie while you watch it. That's it for disc one. Disc two has everything. Hours of documentaries not only explaining the making of the movie, but how the 54th positively effected blacks in the military more than any other. It gives detailed information and reenactments of battles the 54th was in. There are a few deleted scenes which are always nice, it could have used a couple more. There is also the same commentary, just not picture-in-picture, only plain ol' talking. The menu is still very nice, just no speaking from Matthew, Morgan, and Denzel while you flip.

Rating:
Summary: L:(
Review: Stoic Washington

Takes a whipping for the cause;

War is hell for all

Rating:
Summary: Glory Glorifies all war movies
Review: The first time I have ever seen this movie was when my 8th grade history teacher told us to watch it. Horrified and amazed at the same time, I found this movie truly breath taking. I hope more teachers use it to show what war really is. I hope also that students show more respect for those veterans who fought during the civil war. Far to many people put to much emphasis on world wars and not enough of our own wars. War is not about just killing poeple, it is about doing what is right. I truly hope that this movie gets the respect it deserves for this truly is a remarkable film!!!!