Glory

Compared to The Last Samurai by the same director, it falls slightly short, but it’s still a cinematic masterpiece. I’m surprised it took me so long to find this film; I only stumbled upon it recently. Films about the American Civil War are rare, with Lincoln coming to mind as a similar example. Glory isn’t packed with battles, explosions, and bloody shootouts. Of course, those elements play a role, but primarily the film "fights" in psychological realms, character development (Broderick was the film’s best character, undoubtedly), and the main character struggles with prejudices against the Black soldiers under his command. It’s an intimate drama focused on acting performances, and who wouldn’t appreciate that? Broderick won me over with his performance, supported ably by Morgan Freeman and the outstanding Denzel Washington. The film also boasts a luxurious soundtrack by James Horner, one of the most beautiful musical themes ever. The final battle emotionally hit me, knowing a happy ending was out of reach. It’s a remarkable human film where every viewer realizes that war is generally senseless, especially the leadership style here (the suicidal charges were excruciating to watch, a terrible strategy). After a long time, this was a film that truly moved me. I give it 89%. (28/07/2018)

Let’s attribute a bit of the pathos with flag-bearing and historical inaccuracies intended to highlight inequality (the societal status of recruits, lack of equipment, and flogging in the army) to the strong message of the fight for freedom. The total amount is then underscored by the Union rebel Denzel Washington, the forceful soul-stirring speech delivered by Sergeant Freeman, and Zwick’s skillfully crafted moments from the hell of warfare. I can imagine that the attack on Fort Wagner was observed from behind a dune by the Blondie, who, with a cigar at the corner of his mouth, muttered, "I've never seen so many men wasted so badly." (14/08/2023)

One of the best films about the Civil War? More like one of the best (anti) war films ever. The riveting battle scenes show war in all its gruesome pointlessness, the script then beautifully showcases how fighting the enemy can be as difficult as fighting one's own prejudices. Perfect actors (when you have Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington in a film, it can't be any other way) and Horner's beautiful music make Glory an unforgettable experience. But I try not to imagine what it would look like if the film was produced today and how many people would scold it for being an ordinary agitation film. I'd rather say to myself that we've really advanced a little further than that. (25/10/2020)

Another quality film dealing with American history, specifically the Civil War. Edward Zwick is a very capable director who knows how to shoot, and war sequences are his specialty. The final attack on the fortress is truly powerful. The actors are solid (especially Morgan Freeman in the role of a black sergeant, he is excellent!) and of course, the master of music James Horner with another superb composition. (09/04/2004)

Such a beautiful, poignant film that shows that black people are, by all appearances, better actors. At least in this case. Morgan Freeman is wonderfully minimalist, Denzel Washington is stunningly complex. But I was also surprised by Matthew Broderick, who I had never seen act like this before. And he's not black! (12/02/2016)