absolutely spectacular

Rating: 10/10 (12 July 2000)

GLORY is one of the most inspiring and moving films about war I have ever seen. The characters of Freeman, Washington, and Broderick were so vividly created and full of spirit, that the viewer can really experience the passion and intensity they have in their fight for freedom. The scene before the final battle (the assault on Ft. Wagner), where the regiment is singing `Oh, my lord  ` is one of the most moving scenes ever filmed. Although the battle scenes may not have the technical precision of the first 30 minutes of Spielberg's SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, or Kubrick's PATHS OF GLORY, they were still masterful. Specifically, the Ft. Wagner assault was downright beautiful, with the spectacular, colorful lighting from the flashing of artillery and a beautiful score. It was as if the beauty of the scene reinforced the `glory' that the 54th was fighting for.

To top it all off, GLORY was also very historically accurate (from the decrease in pay to the holding out of shoes by the quartermaster), unlike recent Mel Gibson works: THE PATRIOT & BRAVEHEART). The fact that it was all true only added to the emotional intensity.
I consider GLORY to be the greatest Civil War movie ever, and maybe the greatest war movie, period. It also contends with RAGING BULL, EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, THE SHINING, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK/LAST CRUSADE, & FIELD OF DREAMS as the best movie of the 80s.