Accurate and Moving Portrayal of the 54th Regiment

Rating: 8/10 (20 December 2015)

Based off of the letters of Colonel Robert Shaw, Glory is a highly entertaining movie with only a few minor historical inaccuracies. Although the movie is mainly from the perspective of Colonel Shaw, a white man, it brilliantly portrays the struggles the 54th Regiment faced from both the Confederate Army and their own army, as well as exemplifying the courage and bravery the 54th Regiment showed.
Overall, Glory is an excellent, though bloody, portrayal of the 54th Regiment. However, it does include some historical inaccuracies. For example, the movie depicts the 54th as a regiment comprised of uneducated, runaway slaves and many of the main characters are runaway slaves. However, in reality, those enlisted in the 54th were educated, free blacks living in the North. Additionally, in the movie, Shaw is seen to accept the position of leading the 54th almost immediately upon being offered it. In reality, Shaw contemplated this decision for a while, even declining the job at first before later changing his mind.
Despite these inaccuracies, however, Glory does an excellent job portraying the struggles the 54th faced. The movie shows how the Confederate army threatened death to any black soldier or white officer commanding black soldiers. Additionally, the movie includes many scenes that show the unfair treatment of black soldiers including unequal pay, the difficulties in receiving proper equipment and supplies, and the racism found in many white units.
And yet, the most amazing aspect of this movie is its ability to inspire. At its heart, Glory is about the ability of the men in the 54th regiment to show their indomitable spirit and courageous behavior. The men suffer through hardships on and off the battlefield, but they continue to show immense camaraderie and hope for the future. With the culminating battle of the movie, the 54th is able to prove to everyone that they too possess the courage needed for warfare.
Glory is a wonderfully created film with an amazing cast and many epic battle scenes. While the movie does contain many gory scenes, the underlying events are worth the blood and guts in this movie.