Glorious

Rating: 9/10 (9 August 2007)

"Glory" is certainly among the best American Civil War films. It tells the inspiring story of the first all-black regiment, the 54th Massachusetts. The script and cinematography are solid and James Horner's score was eerily appropriate for the film.
Matthew Broderick and Cary Elwes, who people may not initially think of as being appropriate for the serious roles they play, are strong as the leaders of the regiment. Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington and Andre Braugher represent the soldier side with equal strength. I also enjoyed John Finn's colorful performance as the brutal sergeant-major in charge of training and Bob Gunton and Cliff De Young's performances as the two corrupt Union officers.
The only improvement that could have been made to the film is in the battle scenes, particularly the first. A better sense of tactics could have been incorporated into them. However, overall, Glory is an excellent American Civil War film worth seeing.