The Greatest Civil War movie!

Rating: 10/10 (7 February 2007)

I'm a person who doesn't get impressed easily with most movies, particularly with war films. But after seeing this film, I was left paralyzed with awe. I had never seen such a powerfully driven war film that comes close to as grand as this (save for Braveheart). Based upon the inspiring true story of the 54th Massachusettes, of 600 colored men whom are hired as Union soldiers to fight in the war that divided the American nation, the film had everything darn near perfect.
The film had a powerhouse of performances: Mathew Broderick, Denzel Washington, and Morgan Freeman. People rip on Broderick for being sleazy as the 21 year-old Gould Shaw, but I differ, for he gave a preference that was so moving, that it makes me nearly cry that he did not get at least an Oscar nomination.
Denzel Washington by far gave the best performance as the conflicted, young, runaway slave, Private Trip, whom is driven by rage, sarcasm, and pride. Every single shot of him on camera shines with these bursting personalities and also revealing a hidden character of courage and honor who seeks dignity and respect (representing the true spirit of the 54th Massachusettes). The Oscar he won was truly worthy, and never have i seen such a grand performance as his in years.
Lastly, Morgan Freeman, once again proves to be one of the best actors alive. He plays the quiet, but compassionate Rawlins, who earns the rank of Sergeant Major in the regiment. With his persuasive voice and words of wisdom and comfort, he holds the entire regiment together from breaking apart, as he demonstrates in a confrontation, later in the film, with Trip, saying "We need to getty up and kick in like men!" Freeman was simply amazing! The rest of the cast, including Cary Elwes, Andre Braugher, and Jihmi Kennedy was also highly believable and stellar in their performances.
The music score by James Horner was gripping, and should also have gotten at least an Oscar nom for. The cinematography was beautiful, the set-decoration was authentic, and the sound and sound mixing in the battle sequences were realistic. But on a downside note, the battle scenes lacked the ferocity and intensity as Bravehart held; the violence was no different than Gettysburg, for it looked more like an reenactment rather than actual war. The staging and some of the choreography was a bit hokey. Nonethless, it had some graphic moments to it, that pushed for a meager R rating. Even though it lacked the brutality of war, the battles were still intense and emotionally moving, which was aided by James Horner's magnificent score.
And another note to add, throughout the film there are many laughable mistakes from historical errors to "sight gags". Other than a couple of these flaws, the film gave a strong, solid soul. Glory remains and always will be on my top ten favorite lists of movies, as well as the greatest civil war film ever. It is film that defies prejudice and oppression and shows that no matter what race you are or the color of skin you have, you are a living person.
**** out of ****