Rating: 
Summary: The Ultimate Politically Correct Movie
Review: This is a great movie don't get me wrong. It got me into doing Civil War re-enacting some years ago. But its a bit heavy handed. Now because of its politically correct message everyone expects a Civil War movie to be made like this...Now it seems if a Civil War movie does not have Blacks fighting to escape the South or covering themselves in glory then it has no appeal. This is wrong and it also undermines the value of this film as well. Its good for people to see that Blacks finally made a contribution of the Union war effort, but the real war was not all about slavery. Its important to remember as well that far more white Union soldiers fought than Blacks ever did. Also 60,000 Canadians fought for the Union...Glory is a great movie. No doubt. But let's not let it distort our view of the Civil War and prevent us from enjoying other equally good movies on this subject which may not have the same politically correct themes. Enjoy this great film and allow for others on this topic as well.
Rating: 
Summary: I envy those who have not yet seen this.
Review: For a plot summary, you can read one of the dozens listed below, all of which are thorough and often exemplary.
What I think you need to know is that this relatively small but hugely important event in Civil War history has been brought to the screen with class, detail, enthusiasm and reverence. Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington, together in one film, show why they're among the best actors working today...amongst our best ever.
Matthew Broderick is fine as the young colonel. Andre Braugher should be a bigger star...given a chance he could be one of our greats.
Script, cinematography, direction, score...the collaborative nature of film is given prime example right here.
I envy those who have not yet seen this.
Rating:
Summary: Glory Hallelujah!....and High Praise to the DVD As Well..
Review: This review refers to the Columbia Tristar 1/98 release of the DVD edition of "Glory"....There are many glowing reviews of "Glory" to be found here. I feel the same way about this wonderful film, and after touching on the story I would like to talk about this DVD release(see above) which is an outstanding quality and excellent value. "Glory" is an exceptional film. A true story of the Civil War that is both touching and inspirational. It depicts the story of the first black unit from the North to be trained and actually go into battle. Led by their very empathetic but very young Colonel(played brillantly by Matthew Broderick), the 54th Regiment endures many hardships felt not only by being soldiers of this devastating war but as African Americans as well.Their spirit, pride and tears along the way, is projected in this film by these wonderful actors in a way that will make you feel all the anguish and pride that they felt. The cast includes Morgan Freeman as the Sergeant who is the motivating force behind the soldiers. His performance is stirring. Denzel Washington, awarded Best Supporting Actor by Oscar for his role as the runaway slave looking for a home will move you to tears(or at least put a lump in your throat, which remains throughout), and Andre Braugher's smile and tenacity will grab you and keep you.The cinematography and sound(both also honored by Oscar) are exquisite.Beautifully directed by Edward Zwick it is a war story that is more than action, it is one you won't soon forget. Often, the different DVD editions wind up on the same product page. You may have found yourself on the page of the "Special Edition" of Glory. That is the 2 disc edition with lots of special features. If these are important to you in a DVD than that is the one you should probably go with. However, if you really love this film, but don't want to spend as much for all the extras, this edition(which you can find through the DVD search under "Glory" at number 30 of the featured items)is the one to go with. It is half the price of the "Special Edition",and is a beautiful transfer as well.You have the choice of viewing it in the original widescreen(1.85:1) or a full screen version. The picture is beautiful, sharp, crisp and clean. Colors spectacular. Depending on your set up the sound options are 5.1(Digital Dolby) or 2-channel surround.I watched it in the 5.1 and was very impressed. All the sounds of the Civil War were clear and distinct. The music wonderful. It may be viewed in Spanish or French and has subtitles in English, Spanish and French also. Whatever edition you choose, this a a film that is a beautiful addition to your DVD collection.It is one that will be watched again and again. Thank you and enjoy.....Laurie
Rating:
Summary: Important Film
Review: "Glory", is a historically-based film about the formation of the all-black 54th Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry during this nation's Civil War. The film draws on a variety of sources but it should not be taken as historically perfect, and for serious students of The Civil War the film will be less satisfying. A quick example is the engagement at Antietam. This battle of the war was the single bloodiest in this nation's history; the film gives no information that will leave you better informed about this fact than prior to your viewing it. Antietam was also what many view as a missed opportunity for shortening the war, and if it is to be used in a film it is too important too be used lightly. The story of the volunteer 54th Regiment from Massachusetts is a remarkable one, for all who were a part of this group took additional risks above and beyond that of other soldiers. The Confederacy made its view clear on what would happen to blacks fighting in uniform, and equally clear as to what fate awaited the white soldiers that were part of the regiment as well. The movie is filled with great performances by Morgan Freeman, Matthew Broderick, and Denzel Washington, who won an Academy Award for his performance as Best Supporting Actor. The list of additional solid performances is lengthy and ensures the longevity of this film's popularity. It would be the better part of a century before the armed forces of this nation would finally be integrated, and this would only come after non-white soldiers had fought with the same level of pride, determination and distinction as their white counterparts. Certain groups, like The Tuskegee Airmen of World War II fame, would set performance standards that were the envy of any combat flying force in history. And yet as they flew and died for their country, the same country allowed German prisoners of war more freedom, and more respect and privileges than it did these brave men. About 50% of the 54th died in a single engagement in South Carolina during an attempt to take Fort Wagner. The assault could reasonably be called one of calculated suicide, and the 50% dead validates that idea. As another author termed it, "One Gallant Rush", demonstrated not only what type of men these were, but that whether they were black or white they took upon themselves a frontal assault of the fort, and fought and died together. It was a historical event, but their place in history was affirmed before they made that final attack as a group.
Rating:
Summary: Controversial, But An Excellent Movie, Nevertheless
Review: This movie is most definitely one of the greatest war movies ever made. I was pretty young when this movie was first released in 1989, but I can still remember all the discussion and controversy that ensued after its release. I happened upon this movie and decided to see for myself if all the hoop-la was warranted. While it may have been controversial in the 80s, the years have softened the movie's shock value, but it still remains a masterfully made and entertaining movie. This is the story of the black soldiers who fought for the Union during the Civil War. Matthew Broderick plays a young colonel assigned to train a company of former slaves to become soldiers who will fight in the battle against the Confederacy. Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, and Andre Braugher play three of the hundreds of black men who volunteer to join the army. At first, the heads of the Union army treated this company of black soldiers as a joke. They were recruited to fulfill some sort of quota. They received poor equipment and low wages, and were never intended to fight in battle. However, the colonel sees their desire and convinces his superiors to send them into battle. The end of the movie has this company of black soldiers leading the Union arm into the battle at Fort Wagner in South Carolina. Since this movie is based on actual events, it isn't too much of a spoiler to mention that they lost the battle for Fort Wagner, but the outcome of the battle isn't as important as the solidarity and patriotism with which they fought. I've seen "Ferris Beuller's Day Off" many times, so I'm a little uncomfortable seeing Matthew Broderick in a serious role. He's not much of a dramatic actor, but he does a solid job here. Though Denzel Washington won an Academy Award for his supporting role, this was clearly an ensemble cast that equally shares the acclaim for their terrific performances. Morgan Freeman seemed a little too old to be in a movie like this, but he also did a commendable acting job, as did Andre Braugher. This movie receives some criticism because historians claim that it doesn't accurately depict the actual events on which it is based. I, personally, don't believe that historical accuracy should be a consideration when determining the quality of a movie. I watch movies to be entertained, not educated. If I wanted to learn about the actual facts I'll open a textbook or watch a documentary. There was also a slight uproar by leaders of the black community who didn't appreciate a movie where black people were being taken advantage of. Many were angered by the fact that they were deliberately put on the front lines in battle so they would be the first to die. All these disputes may never be resolved, but they cannot diminish the fact that this is a great movie. Besides the great acting, there are very good special effects, good camera angles, and an awesome musical score. I highly recommend that you see this movie.
Rating:
Summary: What a Movie
Review: I had NO IDEA that this was based on actual events. What a story, what actors!!! I am not a civil war buff at all, but I had to add this movie to my collection. If kids were able to view factual movies like " Apollo 13", "The Right Stuff", "Midway", to name just a few, it may spur their interest into picking up books and "reading more about it." I know "social studies" was a boring class when I went to school. But, if they were to show movies like "Glory", who knows, I may have ended up becoming a teacher, or a museum curator. Just look what Jurassic Park did for kids and dinosaur mania. Anyway, this is a MUST HAVE for the serious movie collectors library.
Rating: 
Summary: Overrated
Review: This is one of the most grotesquely overrated films I've ever seen. From beginning to end it is filled with blatant distortions of history. Whipping in the Union Army was abolished prior to the Civil War, so the scene where the black soldier is flogged is pure propaganda meant to inflame rather than to inform. Additionally, the vast majority of the soldiers of the 54th were educated free men from the North, not runaway slaves. What a slap in the face to the real 54th. Plus, Matthew Broderick is a completely misscast as Col. Robert Gould Shaw. Broderick portrays him as if he was some sort of a fop, not the young but tough soldier he really was. And last, but not least, Fort Wagner faced South with the ocean on its left flank, not on its right as shown in the this sorry excuse for a war movie.
Rating:
Summary: Without a doubt, one of the greatest war movie
Review: When I first saw this movie, I was about 6, I thought it was all about shooting, but when I was 10 and saw this, I understood the movie for what it really was. That life for black soldiers, at the begining, was messed up, and unfair. It was ironic 2 see the irish sargent who once hated them, give them support at the end. And it is a great movie from beginimg 2 thee end. The acting was excellent, and it's definitly one of the greatest war movies of all time. I belive it won best picture, and one of the best actors:Denzel Washington won best supporting actor. This movie deserved these awards, and anyone who loves war movies should have this in their collection. Peace
Rating:
Summary: WOW.........
Review: I can only say this movie is NOT to be viewed lightly. I enjoyed every minute of it and found it suprisingly interesting while still being historical. However it was extremely intense. Not much bothers me, yet I almost fainted during the closing scene and nearly cried.It depicts the story of Colonel Robert Goul Shaw who has agreed to lead the 54th regiment-the first all African American Regiment. I don't reccomend this for people easily upset by blood and gore but its a wonderful movie that finally gives credit to the African American soldiers who fought in the Civil War and is layered with both thought provoking and no frills blood and gore scenes. History/war fanatics and moviegoers alike will enjoy this movie but it's definetley not for everyone! Enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Glory
Review: GLORY is a grreat movie based on the 54th Regimen in the Civil War, (one of the first all black Regimen). Based on the diary of Col. Robert Shaw, this is a great movie for all and a great helper for the classroom (trust me, thanks to this movie I aced my American History final with ease). Matthew Broderick is young Col. Robert Shaw and he has been apointed to lead one of the first all black regimens following news of the Emancipation Proclamation made by President Abraham Lincoln. From there, it follows all of his diary entries and his letters to home, showing the pride of soldiers and the strength to win a war. Plus with the strong supporting cast of Carey Elwes, Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington, GLORY is a strong, dramatic and in some parts touching movie. I have to admit I was a skeptic when I heard that Matthew Broderick was going to be a lead in this movie because when I think Matthew Broderick, I think FERRIS BUELER. Broderick really showed that he is a true actor in this movie and he did a very good job. Denzel really showed why he won his Best Supporting Actor with his role and this movie and as usual, Morgan Freeman did very well. Now of course, this is the Civil War era and the N word is thrown around a lot. In most cases, it's used out of context in a racist and/or derogatory way. You have to get past that because as unfortunate as it is, that was a part of history. A very unfortunate part of history but still it's there. Again, this is a movie about war and this movie does push the horrors of war in your face. Nowhere near as bad as SAVING PRIVATE RYAN but the depiction of war in this movie is very strong as well. This is a great movie and a great recommendation to any and all history buffs or to anyone that's interested in the African American approach to the Civil War.
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