Glory is a film, made in 1989, about the American Civil War. More specifically; about the 54th Massachusetts Infantry regiment & Colonel Robert Gould Shaw. The 54th is one of the first African-American military regiments during the Civil War, and over a duration of 2 hours & 2 minutes, we follow along as we see the formation, training, and fighting of the 54th regiment.
It’s peak, the literal definition of a masterpiece.
At first it may sound like just any generic war movie set in a historical era of American history, but Glory is more than that. I’ll try not to spoil it for those who haven’t seen the film, but if you haven’t. Please watch it.
Glory beautifully connects several aspects of the country at the time. Covering both the war & the social/civil issues that plagued society.
Glory tackles racism & discrimination, as it does take place during the American Civil War, within the Union army & the country at war. At first, our brave men would not be given the proper equipment, not given the same wages as white soldiers, and even infighting between the black men. Yet Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, a white man, kept fighting for his men. He sought out proper equipment for his men, encouraged them, attempted to break up fights, and even refused his pay as a form of protest.
The 54th regiment was an inspiration for the Union. Being one of the first African American regiments; the entire country was looking up at them. The 54th was a symbol of hope for free & enslaved African Americans. The regiment showcased that they were willing to fight back for their freedom. The determination showcased by the men to keep going; even with some of their higher ups against them. With Colonel Robert Gould Shaw fighting as well; getting his men trained & into active combat to showcase the country what they’re capable of achieving. Glory is such a great representation of this fighting spirit of the 54th regiment.
Glory also delves a bit into PTSD. With Colonel Robert Gould Shaw experiencing it throughout the first half of the film. Most of the trauma comes from his participation in the Battle of Antietam. His PTSD is quite symbolic of the Battle of Antietam itself, and the soldier’s sentiments about the battle as well. The Battle of Antietam is considered one of the bloodiest one-day battles in American history; with nearly 23,000 casualties in the battle & 12,400 casualties being Union men. The battle was a Union victory, but to the men that fought; it didn’t feel like a victory.
We see this masterfully displayed in the beginning scene of Glory. Through the introduction of Robert Gould Shaw; we see what most of the Union soldiers fight for. The beginning battle scene shows the horror of the war: bugles & drums, flags & cannons, men & muskets. It shows the blood spilled by the men on the battlefield. The battle scene captured, recreated, and showcased what most Civil War battles were like – brutal & bloody. The hospital scene showcases the after effects of the battle, the trauma within the soldiers, and simply adds onto the reason why the war is being fought with talks about the Emancipation Proclamation. Which was shortly declared after the Battle of Antietam.
Within a span of 10 minutes, Glory was able to convey all of this & more.
My description doesn’t do the scene justice. You simply have to see it yourself to understand the beauty of the scene.
The film also does a wonderful job in invoking emotion in the audience. With building up a sense of brotherhood in the regiment, and the incredibly emotional scenes near the finale of the film. Glory is genuinely one of the only films that has made me tear up.
In addition to the powerful messaging, great writing, and historically accurate uniforms & weapons; the actors do an amazing job in their portrayal of each character. The film had an amazing & stacked cast. Names such as Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, Cary Elwes, Andre Braugher, & Matthew Broderick. All who had prolific & successful acting careers; with roles in other famous & popular films. Matthew Broderick’s portrayal of Robert Gould Shaw was wonderful.
Glory has been nominated for 5 Oscars. With the film winning 3 for Best Cinematography, Best Sound, and Best Supporting Actor for Denzel Washington. If my words haven’t convinced you that this Glory is peak, and that you must watch it. Then you are truly shutting your mind to something great.
