Glory, a 1989 war drama, tells the story of the first African American regiment in the Civil War. These soldiers fought with valor and distinction to prove themselves worthy of equal rights. The film is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in pursuit of equality and freedom. It depicts the brutal reality of war and the strength of those who fight for what they believe in. In short, Glory is a cinematic triumph that deserves all the acclaim it has received.
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Review
Oh gentle readers, lend a listening ear to my tale of a movie that didst capture the heart and soul of many. A film that tells the story of valour, courage and sacrifice. Mark my words, this movie will stir emotions in thee like no other. It is none other than “Glory”, a masterpiece that weaves history and drama together in a breathtaking fashion.
The storyline unfolds in the midst of the Civil War, where conflict rages between the Union Army and Confederate forces. A group of African American soldiers is recruited under Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, played by Matthew Broderick. These men face an uphill battle as they fight for their dignity and respect on the battlefield. They are met with racial discrimination and are forced to endure harsh treatment from fellow white soldiers.
The plot thickens as Private Trip, played by Denzel Washington, defies an order from Sergeant Major Rawlins, brilliantly portrayed by Morgan Freeman. This leads to a dramatic confrontation where Trip lashes out at Rawlins for being “just like white folks – ain’t got nothin’ but talk”. The tension between them is palpable as they struggle for power amidst the chaos of war.
The fact that this is based on real events adds another layer of depth to the story. It shines a spotlight on the heroism and sacrifice exhibited by these brave men during a tumultuous time in American history. The cast does a fantastic job of bringing these characters to life with their exceptional performances.
The acting prowess displayed by Denzel Washington cannot be overstated; he delivers one of his most memorable performances as Private Trip. His vulnerability mixed with ferocity gives us moments that are both heartbreaking and awe-inspiring. Morgan Freeman’s portrayal of Sergeant Major John Rawlins offers an emotionally charged performance – his quiet strength giving him a commanding presence on screen.
I must also commend Matthew Broderick’s performance as Colonel Shaw, whose conflicted emotions and eventual redemption tug at the heartstrings. His initial reluctance to lead African American troops gradually transforms into a deep respect and admiration for them, culminating in his final act of bravery which cements his place in history.
The history that inspired this movie is brought to life through the excellent cinematography by Freddie Francis. The battlefield scenes are visually stunning, particularly the final charge of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment at Fort Wagner. The use of slow motion adds to the emotional impact of the scene, making it a standout moment in cinema history.
The score by James Horner adds another layer of emotion, with its haunting melody staying with you long after the movie has ended. I cannot stress enough how much it enhances the film and elevates it from a mere spectacle to something truly extraordinary.
“Glory” garnered well-deserved critical acclaim upon its release in 1989. It won three Academy Awards including Best Supporting Actor for Denzel Washington’s performance as Private Trip. This adds to its already considerable legacy and reinforces its status as one of the greatest war movies ever made.
As we delve deeper into this story, we can see how it touches on issues that are still relevant today. The struggle for equality, respect and dignity resonates with us today just as it did over a century ago. It serves as a reminder that the journey towards justice is long and arduous but ultimately worth fighting for.
The special effects used in this movie may be dated by modern standards, but they hold up remarkably well considering their age. The practical effects used on set create an authenticity that is hard to replicate using CGI alone. It also highlights how much effort went into creating such realistic scenes without relying on computer-generated imagery.
The dialogue in “Glory” is another highlight – poignant and moving when needed while not shying away from moments of levity where appropriate. The banter between characters humanizes them, giving us insight into their personalities and relationships.
The production of this movie was not without its challenges. The filming took place during a heatwave in Georgia, making the conditions on set gruelling for both the crew and actors. Despite this, they soldiered on to create a movie that has stood the test of time.
The editing by Steven Rosenblum is seamless, keeping the pace moving while allowing for moments of contemplation. It also contributes to the emotional impact of key scenes such as the final charge at Fort Wagner.
Criticism was levelled at “Glory” for its depiction of African American soldiers in subservient roles. However, this argument misses the point – their representation in this movie is not meant to be demeaning but rather celebratory. It showcases their bravery and heroism despite being treated as second-class citizens.
In conclusion, “Glory” is an outstanding movie that blends history and drama to perfection. The performances are exceptional, the score is hauntingly beautiful, and the cinematography is visually stunning. It serves as a reminder of our past while offering hope for a brighter future. To quote one of Private Trip’s most memorable lines: “They’re just like you. They want to fight for their country too.”
Technical Data
- Runtime : 122
- Release : 1989-12-15
- Genre : Drama, History, War
- 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
- Crew : Norman Garwood as Production Design, Pieter Jan Brugge as Unit Production Manager, James Horner as Original Music Composer, Steven Rosenblum as Editor, Freddie Francis as Director of Photography
- Popularity 20.482
- Budget : $18,000,000
- Revenue : $26,828,365
- Company : Freddie Fields Productions, TriStar Pictures
- Summary : Robert Gould Shaw leads the US Civil War’s first all-black volunteer company, fighting prejudices of both his own Union army and the Confederates.
- Tagline : Their innocence. Their heritage. Their lives.
