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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