Powerful and emotional Civil War story with great ensemble cast...

Rating: 8/10 (17 February 2012)

James Horner's music fills much of the background to give GLORY the kind of emotional level it reaches in telling the story of a group of Negroes who choose to join a ragged regiment headed by a young white man (Matthew Broderick)in the Civil War. Abetted by Horner's effective use of music and chorals in the background, as well as some of the best ensemble casts ever assembled, GLORY is a uniquely satisfying blend of war and humanity. As a film it's a gem.
The blatant bias that exists between black and white soldiers is on display throughout, gradually tempered by the realization that the ragged regiment has become a family during arduous training. Denzel Washington as a bigoted black soldier was justly rewarded with a Golden Globe and an Oscar as Best Supporting Actor. Other around him are equally valid, including Morgan Freeman and Cary Elwes. Broderick does a fine job in the central role of the young commander who gradually matures in the course of the battles and in his firm command of the troop.
An aspect of the Civil War seldom shown is the participation of many blacks on the firing line. Both action scenes and intimate emotional tugs of war are blended seamlessly and makes for gripping and raw emotional moments.
Based on a true story, it's highly recommended for expert acting and an eloquent script that benefits from fine direction.