Rating: 
Summary: "Give 'em Hell, 54!"
Review: "Glory" is a movie set in the mid 1800's during Civil War time. It centers around one regiment - the 54th Massachusetts - an all-volunteer black group of men. These men were looked down on (many or all as slaves) and had to prove themselves day in and day out. The 54th faced many struggles both mentally and physically... whether it be the acceptance from other Union members and regiments, the need for shoes and socks, the want of new uniforms, being paid less than everyone else, etc. Edward Zwick directs, Matthew Broderick (as a very young Colonel Robert Shaw) and Denzel Washington (as "Trip", a runaway slave with principles and an attitude) star. Denzel stole many a scene in this movie - the best probably being the scene where he deserted to find some shoes and ended up getting whipped in front of the entire 54th. Fine supporting roles from Morgan Freeman (as "Rawlins") and Carl Ewes (as Shaw's best friend "Major Forbes"). The 54th finally get their chance to do battle in a losing cause at Fort Wagner in South Carolina. "Glory" won 3 Oscars - for cinematography, musical score, and supporting actor (Denzel Washington). Only thing odd about this movie I noticed was that they would flash the month and year of what was going on... almost all months indicated were summer months, yet you saw the actors (and horses) breath in many a scene - indicating it was very cold. Great movie, but not sure the 'extras' on this new (2001) 2-disc set are worth the higher price of the original single disc release.
Rating:
Summary: The Glory...and the Dream
Review: "Glory" ranks on my list as one of the best Civil War films ever made! This cinematic masterpiece traces the founding and short-lived career of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, the first "all-black" volunteer regiment in the Union army. (By law, all officers had to be white.)Matthew Broderick stars as the 54th Regiment's commanding officer, Colonel Robert Gould Shaw. Already a grizzled veteran of a the battle of Antietam at the tender age of 24, Shaw is offered command of the new all-volunteer regiment of black soldiers. He accepts the risky officer, enlists the aid of his friend, Cabot Forbes, and begins to recruit runaway slaves and northern "freemen" to join the regiment. Much of the movie chronicles the 54th regiment's struggle to become a credible fighting force. It's a struggle made nearly impossible by the institutional ineptitude of the Union army and the racial bigotry of many of its officers. The newly recruited black soldiers want nothing more than to fight; the army brass sees them as nothing more than a political expedient and a laughable experiment, capable of nothing more than digging ditches and clearing forests. Against these odds, Shaw, with the help of Forbes and the irascible, bigoted Irishman, Sergeant Major Mulcahy, manages to turn his ragtag band of soldiers into a cohesive fighting unit. How the 54th Massachusettes Regiment fares in its first major engagement - the assault upon Battery Wagner in 1863 - forms the beautiful climactic event of this film. Matthew Broderick moves away from his usual fluffy, comedic roles (i.e., Ferris Bueller,) and successfully proves himself a serious actor capable of bringing maturity and depth to his role as Colonel Shaw. Denzel Washington's marvelous portrayal as the embittered, cynical runaway slave Trip earned him an Academy Award as Best Supporting Actor. Cary Elwes is less successful in his role as the irresponsible and sometimes insubordinate Major Cabot Forbes. His acting seemed a bit "over the top" at times. Excellent performances are also turned in by Morgan Freeman (Sergeant Major Rawlins), Andre Braugher (Thomas Searles), John Finn (Sergeant Major Mulcahy), and Jihmi Kennedy (Jupiter Sharts). "Glory's" cinematography is breathtaking throughout. The screenplay is powerfully lyrical in its beauty, and James Horner's beautifully haunting musical score adds a tremendous depth of emotion to an already powerfully evocative film. "Glory" is a sumptuously produced and well acted movie, a sure bet to please all fans of a good war movie. Highly recommended!!
Rating:
Summary: Important Film
Review: "Glory", is a historically-based film about the formation of the all-black 54th Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry during this nation's Civil War. The film draws on a variety of sources but it should not be taken as historically perfect, and for serious students of The Civil War the film will be less satisfying. A quick example is the engagement at Antietam. This battle of the war was the single bloodiest in this nation's history; the film gives no information that will leave you better informed about this fact than prior to your viewing it. Antietam was also what many view as a missed opportunity for shortening the war, and if it is to be used in a film it is too important too be used lightly. The story of the volunteer 54th Regiment from Massachusetts is a remarkable one, for all who were a part of this group took additional risks above and beyond that of other soldiers. The Confederacy made its view clear on what would happen to blacks fighting in uniform, and equally clear as to what fate awaited the white soldiers that were part of the regiment as well. The movie is filled with great performances by Morgan Freeman, Matthew Broderick, and Denzel Washington, who won an Academy Award for his performance as Best Supporting Actor. The list of additional solid performances is lengthy and ensures the longevity of this film's popularity. It would be the better part of a century before the armed forces of this nation would finally be integrated, and this would only come after non-white soldiers had fought with the same level of pride, determination and distinction as their white counterparts. Certain groups, like The Tuskegee Airmen of World War II fame, would set performance standards that were the envy of any combat flying force in history. And yet as they flew and died for their country, the same country allowed German prisoners of war more freedom, and more respect and privileges than it did these brave men. About 50% of the 54th died in a single engagement in South Carolina during an attempt to take Fort Wagner. The assault could reasonably be called one of calculated suicide, and the 50% dead validates that idea. As another author termed it, "One Gallant Rush", demonstrated not only what type of men these were, but that whether they were black or white they took upon themselves a frontal assault of the fort, and fought and died together. It was a historical event, but their place in history was affirmed before they made that final attack as a group.
Rating:
Summary: "Give 'em Hell, 54!"
Review: "Glory" is a movie set in the mid 1800's during Civil War time. It centers around one regiment - the 54th Massachusetts - an all-volunteer black group of men. These men were looked down on (many or all as slaves) and had to prove themselves day in and day out. The 54th faced many struggles both mentally and physically... whether it be the acceptance from other Union members and regiments, the need for shoes and socks, the want of new uniforms, being paid less than everyone else, etc. Edward Zwick directs, Matthew Broderick (as a very young Colonel Robert Shaw) and Denzel Washington (as "Trip", a runaway slave with principles and an attitude) star. Denzel stole many a scene in this movie - the best probably being the scene where he deserted to find some shoes and ended up getting whipped in front of the entire 54th. Fine supporting roles from Morgan Freeman (as "Rawlins") and Carl Ewes (as Shaw's best friend "Major Forbes"). The 54th finally get their chance to do battle in a losing cause at Fort Wagner in South Carolina. "Glory" won 3 Oscars - for cinematography, musical score, and supporting actor (Denzel Washington). Only thing odd about this movie I noticed was that they would flash the month and year of what was going on... almost all months indicated were summer months, yet you saw the actors (and horses) breath in many a scene - indicating it was very cold. Great movie, but not sure the 'extras' on this new (2001) 2-disc set are worth the higher price of the original single disc release.
Rating:
Summary: An inspirational tribute to all Civil War soldiers.
Review: "Glory" is an outstanding film which should be seen not only by those interested in Civil War history, but by anyone who is moved by true accounts of bravery and grim determination. It was not until I first saw "Glory" in the theater, that I truly knew what it was like to be kept on the edge of my seat. The final attack on Battery Wagner was the most intense theater-going experience of my life, and I found myself moved to tears by the noble deeds of the men of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteers. As a Civil War re-enactor I can vouch for the historical accuracy and authenticity of this fine film... it reminds me of why I re-enact. "Glory" pays tribute to the men who paid the ultimate sacrifice to safeguard our freedoms and preserve our union. My 13-year old son and I watch this film together, and this is a great source of pride and joy for me. Future generations must never be allowed to forget that our precious liberties came at such a high price, and that we are eternally indebted to those who paid that price on the battlefield. To Col. Shaw and the gallant men of the 54th Mass., "thank you gentlemen. Hurrah!"
Rating:
Summary: The Glory...and the Dream
Review: "Glory" ranks on my list as one of the best Civil War films ever made! This cinematic masterpiece traces the founding and short-lived career of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, the first "all-black" volunteer regiment in the Union army. (By law, all officers had to be white.) Matthew Broderick stars as the 54th Regiment's commanding officer, Colonel Robert Gould Shaw. Already a grizzled veteran of a the battle of Antietam at the tender age of 24, Shaw is offered command of the new all-volunteer regiment of black soldiers. He accepts the risky officer, enlists the aid of his friend, Cabot Forbes, and begins to recruit runaway slaves and northern "freemen" to join the regiment. Much of the movie chronicles the 54th regiment's struggle to become a credible fighting force. It's a struggle made nearly impossible by the institutional ineptitude of the Union army and the racial bigotry of many of its officers. The newly recruited black soldiers want nothing more than to fight; the army brass sees them as nothing more than a political expedient and a laughable experiment, capable of nothing more than digging ditches and clearing forests. Against these odds, Shaw, with the help of Forbes and the irascible, bigoted Irishman, Sergeant Major Mulcahy, manages to turn his ragtag band of soldiers into a cohesive fighting unit. How the 54th Massachusettes Regiment fares in its first major engagement - the assault upon Battery Wagner in 1863 - forms the beautiful climactic event of this film. Matthew Broderick moves away from his usual fluffy, comedic roles (i.e., Ferris Bueller,) and successfully proves himself a serious actor capable of bringing maturity and depth to his role as Colonel Shaw. Denzel Washington's marvelous portrayal as the embittered, cynical runaway slave Trip earned him an Academy Award as Best Supporting Actor. Cary Elwes is less successful in his role as the irresponsible and sometimes insubordinate Major Cabot Forbes. His acting seemed a bit "over the top" at times. Excellent performances are also turned in by Morgan Freeman (Sergeant Major Rawlins), Andre Braugher (Thomas Searles), John Finn (Sergeant Major Mulcahy), and Jihmi Kennedy (Jupiter Sharts). "Glory's" cinematography is breathtaking throughout. The screenplay is powerfully lyrical in its beauty, and James Horner's beautifully haunting musical score adds a tremendous depth of emotion to an already powerfully evocative film. "Glory" is a sumptuously produced and well acted movie, a sure bet to please all fans of a good war movie. Highly recommended!!
Rating:
Summary: The truth is marching on!
Review: "Glory" the name says it all. Talent rages across the screen from the terrifying beginning, to its compelling inerts, then its patriotic ending. A film worth buying, and a film worth savoring.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting Civil War movie
Review: "Glory" was a movie I saw a year ago in eighth grade at school. It was great, and my teacher, Mr. Karlsson, kept rewinding at the part in the beginning where the general's head blows off and played it in slow motion. Even without that, this movie was still one I enjoyed, and the actors (Matthew Broderick and Denzel Washington) successfully worked their roles. Watch "Glory" because if you haven't, you are missing a good war movie.
Rating:
Summary: one of the best films ever made!
Review: "glory" was one of the finest films i have ever seen. i am a huge civil was fan and this is perfect for showing what it was like! all the actors did a wonderful kob, even mathew brodric which i was really surprised at. usually he is a pretty lousy actor, but he was great in this! the music is wonderful, it was written by james horner. this movie won three academy awards inclyding best supporting actor "denzel whashington", best sound and best cinematography. i think it deserved best picture! if you are a war movie fan, you will love this!
Rating:
Summary: Kick in like men!
Review: 'We've got to ante up and kick in, like men!" is the riposte of Morgan Freeman to the disaffected Denzil Washington in this Civil War drama based on a true story. As a Civil War buff, I loved it - possibly the best representation of Civil war fighting ever, with a strong story line, populated by the fascinating characters. Of course there are errors, some even possibly deliberate e.g. the real regiment was not made up of escaped slaves, but were free blacks all born in the North. Basically, it was a story of recovered manhood by an formerly emasculated group, the 'nub' being that to recover your manhood, you must risk your life, so is the bargain worth it? The main theme is that acceptance by Trip (Washington), who up to the end seems to be the doubter, the one who lacks the basic discipline to perform as a soldier. "We win this war, we get nothin'" he tells the Colonel (Broderick) "You can go back to your comfortable Boston". "You'll get even less if we lose", is Broderick's reply. In the end, Trip dies a hero's death (predictably) and is buried next to the Colonel, in real life Robert Gould Shaw, the son of abolitionists. This is the film where Broderick escaped from the 'teen' image, and he provides a credible portrait of another unwilling hero. Despite the occasional piece of forced 'worthiness' (e.g. I thought the contrast between the regiment and the undisciplined, looting plantation blacks was overdone - if anything, white Union troops carried out worse depradations in the South), the film works as a true reflection of the black man's experience of the Civil War.
|
