An underrated great film

Rating: 10/10 (27 May 2013)

This film is not just my favorite war movie, but my favorite film, period. This is not so much a war movie as it is a movie that explores the yearning of a downtrodden people to fight and die for a cause in which they, too believe. There are 5 or 6 scenes in the film that are sublime. The scene in which Shaw (Matthew Broderick) and Tripp (Denzel Washington) discuss carrying the regimental flag is understated brilliance. Another scene in which the 54th march to battle between the white soldiers and earn their cheers chokes me up every time I watch it. If you have not seen this movie before, you have missed a hidden gem. Make a point to see it UNCUT and you won't be disappointed.