Simply Amazing - Among the Best War Films Ever

Rating: 10/10 (2 December 2009)

Every element is stunningly perfect in this must-see film for history fans and everyone else. Starring Matthew Broderick, "Glory" tells the poignant story of the Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts Regiment and their role in a half forgotten battle that, in Lincoln's own words, changed the tide of the war.
The entire cast was incredible in their unforgettable roles. If you are turned off by "seeing Ferris Bueller play soldier", think again. Broderick plays a perfect Shaw from personality right down to appearance. The story may be based on Shaw's letters, but Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, Andre Braugher, and Jhimi Kennedy add dimension to the Civil War by bringing their diverse characters to life because it really is a rich man's war and a poor man's fight.
The action is disappointing only if you watched expecting to see the blood and gore that many war films exhibit. Violence is a very real part of war, but it goes so much beyond that. That is what we see in "Glory". Even beneath the messages against bigotry, we see the basic human nature, and that itself speaks for equality. Despite their differences, the rich, privileged white Harvard men, the runaway slaves with chips in their soldiers, and the intelligent freemen with class all face the same danger. Death does not discriminate, but people do, and that's what they're all fighting against.
James Horner's composing is possibly at its best in "Glory", as his soundtrack sums up the terrors, courage, souls, and yes, glory of war in music alone. It makes the touching parts all the more poignant with its tear jearking element.
It cannot be said enough times: "Glory" is spectacular, amazing, mesmerizing, shocking, wonderful, and stunning in every way a film should be. Few movies, history or otherwise, can compare. You have to watch it to believe it. 10/10