Glory

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. (10/25/2020)

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! (02/12/2016)

Glory is a well-told piece of history, with the usual patriotic bits and some added flair to give it that classic American touch. The story dives into the moral complexities of the Civil War, touching on themes of racism and equality, and of course, the right side wins—though at great cost. I found it interesting that Edward Zwick cast Matthew Broderick in the lead. I usually associate him with different kinds of roles, but this is probably one of the most serious and challenging performances I've seen from him. Even though his character felt a bit odd at first (the mustache helped), he pulled it off in the end, kind of like how Napoleon must've looked out of place before proving himself. It's not a perfect film, but it's definitely worth watching. (05/21/2012)

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." (08/14/2023)

Historical-war dramas have always been Zwick's staple, and here he proves it again. Despite a very protracted start, things improve in pace, atmosphere and acting performances as the first clash arrives. In fact, for most of the film, Matthew Broderick’s character is one of the flattest commanders I've ever seen. The colonel he plays was probably no General Maximus, but that's still no reason for his performance to be so unremarkable. Fortunately, the black squadron is there to save the day lead by Freeman and especially Washington, I fully believed his role as a former slave. (06/04/2015)