A breathtaking story of heroism, told beautifully

Rating: 10/10 (5 May 2000)

A truly breathtaking historical drama. This film centers around the African-American Massachusetts regiment that became the first to fight in the Union army. These were men who were only too eager to fight against the hated Confederacy, but who also needed the education to become soldiers.
Their leader is Col. Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick), who is chosen to manage this `project'. Cary Elwes is his friend, a major who had a more difficult time adjusting to new troops. Morgan Freeman plays one soldier who possesses the maturity and leadership for this unit, Andre Braugher (the great Frank Pembleton from `Homicide: Life on the Street') is a free Massachusetts black man who volunteers for the regiment faces some uncomfortable changes both inside and outside himself. And then there is Denzel Washington's Oscar-winning performance as one stubborn soldier who is as difficult as can be, but becomes a soldier worthy of his unit.
Directed by the brilliant Edward Zwick, Glory features a cast and crew that managed to excel at everything. James Horner's score mixed with the Harlem Boys Choir's voices, melt with the images on the screen of troops that were ready to sacrifice everything for their cause. Perhaps above all is Freddie Francis' cinematography. His photography, whether of battle, the troops themselves, or the overall atmosphere of war, brings the audience into this film with a spirit that is rare.
There have always been some grumblings about Broderick as the choice to play an Army Colonel, but he plays Shaw with maturity and poise. The rest of the cast are all terrific, and all deliver excellent performances.
This is truly a film to watch again and again, to see the horrors of the Civil War, and the heroism of African-Americans ready for battle, and the bravery of the white leaders that led them there.
Vote: 10