Glory (1989)

The US Civil War is a period that hasn't received as much attention as World War II, or Vietnam, but the few films or miniseries that have come out about it have been nothing short of great.

1989's Glory continues that legacy. Starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, and Morgan Freeman, its the story of one of the few all-black Union companies formed during the war, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.

In itself, Glory is a fine picture. The performances by the above four are nothing short of spectacular. The battle scenes depict just what a terrific nightmare and waste of life warfare in the period was. And it portrays the conflict of the North vs. the "property owner" mentality of the seceding South brilliantly.

And of course you have typical "military" moments such as supply issues, conflict within the ranks, etc. etc. etc.

For all its greatness, though, one thing bothers me about Glory. At times it comes across as purposefully, over-the-top, politically correct. There are numerous scenes which, of course, looked at today you can't help but read into them what the director and writers put into them. I (much as I hate to say it) think though that such moments in reality wouldn't have given the actual participants much, if any pause at all. Times being what they were and all. Context being everything you know.

Some of the violence is a bit on the light side, some of it not. But if you can allow the PC-ness of parts to slide, then Glory is one you can't miss. You might be able to catch this on HDNet Movies again in the near future (as I was able to.)

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Glory (Special Edition, Repackaged) List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $11.64 You save: $8.35 (42%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Description

The heart-stopping story of the first black regiment to fight for the North in the Civil War, Glory stars Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes and Morgan Freeman. Broderick and Elwes are the idealistic young Bostonians who lead the regiment; Freeman is the inspirational sergeant who unites the troops; and Denzel Washington, in an Oscar® - winning performance (1989, Best Supporting Actor), is the runaway slave who embodies the indomitable spirit of the 54th Regiment of Massachusetts.

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Brand: Sony
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Original Release Date:
Actors:

• Matthew Broderick
• Denzel Washington
• Cary Elwes
• Morgan Freeman
• Jihmi Kennedy

Reviews

Related posts:

1. Paths of Glory (1957)
2. Casualties of War (1989)
3. War Requiem (1989)
4. The Iron Triangle (1989)
5. Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
6. 84 Charlie MoPic (1989)

This entry was posted on Sunday, January 28th, 2007 at 11:00 am and is filed under 1980s, Reviews, US Civil War Movies. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.