Glory is a 1989 American historical war drama film directed by Edward Zwick about the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the Union Army's earliest African-American regiments in the American Civil War. The film stars Matthew Broderick as Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, the regiment's commanding officer, and Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, and Morgan Freeman as fictional members of the 54th. Glory was the first major motion picture to tell the story of black U.S. soldiers fighting for their freedom from slavery during the Civil War.
The film was released on DVD on January 2, 2007, and includes two discs featuring widescreen and full-screen versions of the film, picture-in-picture video commentary by director Ed Zwick and actors Morgan Freeman and Matthew Broderick, a director's audio commentary, and a documentary entitled "The True Story of Glory Continues" narrated by Morgan Freeman. The Blu-ray disc version of the film was released on June 2, 2009, and includes special features such as a virtual civil war battlefield, interactive map, and "The Voice of Glory".
The film has been praised for its exceptional cinematography, powerful storytelling, and Oscar-winning performance by Denzel Washington. It remains one of the finest Civil War movies ever made and has been described as a compelling film about courage and bravery. Glory challenged the popular memory of the Civil War that centered the conflict around brave white soldiers and left little room to grapple with the tough questions of slavery and emancipation.
Plot
The story follows the formation of the first all-black volunteer Union Army regiment of the Civil War, the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, and their exploits at the Battle of Fort Wagner. It is based on a remarkable true story and is a compelling film about courage and bravery.
The movie tells of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, played by Matthew Broderick, who leads the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, and his men, including fictional characters played by Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, and Cary Elwes.
The film's climax involves the 54th's failed attack at Battery Wagner on July 18, 1863, which depicts a final victory over adversity and a collective sacrifice around the flag. Shaw is killed attempting to lead his men in a final assault, as is Trip, who falls having finally embraced the regimental colors.
Cast
- Matthew Broderick as Col. Robert Gould Shaw
- Denzel Washington as Pvt. Trip
- Cary Elwes as Maj. Cabot Forbes
- Morgan Freeman as Sgt. Maj. John Rawlins
- Jihmi Kennedy as Pvt. Jupiter Sharts
- Andre Braugher as Cpl. Thomas Searles
- John Finn as Sgt. Maj. Mulcahy
- Donovan Leitch Jr. as Capt. Charles Fessenden Morse
- Cliff De Young as Col. James M. Montgomery
Director: Edward Zwick
Writer: Kevin Jarre
Box Office Gross: $26,979,166
Distributor: TriStar Pictures, Columbia Tristar
Genre: War, History, Drama
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 15, 1989
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012