Rent Glory (1989)

Emotional ride through the horrors of a war of battles - Glory review by AB

A film that tugs at the tear ducts in the final reels and depicts (again) the bravery of men (in all of history) who go into battle knowing that they may not come out of it alive, whatever their beliefs and reasons for fighting. These battles were of the "close combat" type where fitness, training, adrenalin all played their part in keeping you alive, as well as camaraderie, luck and judgement. The battle scenes here will make you proud of men who fought in such conflicts, especially given that this film is based on fact.

Well Made & Interesting Historical Drama - Glory review by GI

A really interesting and well acted, competently directed historical drama set during the American Civil War and based on real events. It tells the story of the forming of a regiment of all black soldiers with white officers led by Robert Gould Shaw played by Matthew Broderick. Essentially it's a tale of heroism and courage within the intensity of battle but with a narrative that deals with the difficult American social issues of racism. The black soldiers, having volunteered to fight against the Confederacy, face discrimination from white soldiers on their side, the threat of instant death if captured by the enemy and ultimately an attempt to treat them as lesser valued troops by the Federal government who try to pay them less, despite promises of equal pay, and even fail to equip them properly. The film builds to a climactic battle where the bravery of these soldiers is finally recognised via the tough training and the struggles of individuals to accept white commanders. The battle scenes are gritty and realistic and somewhat bloody too. Morgan Freemen excels as the father figure to the soldiers that includes Denzel Washington as a troubled and rebellious volunteer with one very difficult and traumatic scene that involves his character receiving a flogging. This is a very watchable and entertaining film and certainly worth seeing if it's passed you by.

Race War - Glory review by Steve

High-concept US civil war picture, with a superior period production and exceptional photography. The twist is that this is based on the real-life story of a company of Union soldiers drawn from black volunteers. These were either fugitive slaves from the south or free northerners.

There is narration taken from the actual war correspondence of their leader. Liberties are taken to shape this into a story arc which conveys the men from oppression to glory, through valour. So rather than the realism of war-is-hell, the conflict is primarily a vehicle for their protest and emancipation.

This is more compelling than authentic. The lovely soundtrack is uplifting, but sentimental. Matthew Broderick as the colonel is weak, but essentially the white saviour... Though there can't be many historic stories about black Americans which are inspiring, rather than deeply shameful, to modern US audiences.

There are engaging performances from Morgan Freeman and Andre Braugher.  Denzel Washington won an Oscar and is clearly a star in waiting. Broderick is fine as the flawed officer. But the real-life General who planned that climactic raid on Fort Wagner deserves a court-martial.