Wick's Review

Summary - Very Good 3.5

Old fashioned and reverential, Glory shines in its rendering of an important bit of American history, its vivid recreation of several Civil War battles, and via Denzel Washington’s Oscar-winning performance.

The important history recounts how the first African-American regiment fought for the Union Army, ultimately going down to defeat in their final battle, but not before distinguishing themselves as tremendous soldiers. Thus they paved the way for almost 200,000 additional black Union soldiers, a surge that President Lincoln credited with helping turn the tide of the war. Glory indeed.

Nominated for five Oscars, winner of three, Edward Zwick’s movie remains a must-see for war movie fans in general and Civil War buffs in particular. Those interested in the African-American experience – not to mention plain old Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman fans – will also find it amply rewarding.

Acting - Very Good 3.5

Denzel gives a performance of such searing brilliance that many others in the cast look like amateurs. Recognizing this, the Academy awarded him his first Oscar, for Supporting Actor. His stoic face while being whipped is perhaps the greatest internal performance the movies have ever seen.

Matthew Broderick disappoints, though perhaps he fell prey to the role of tight-ass Bostonian. His character – a true American hero – comes across more as Matthew Broderick playing Army than flesh-and-blood man. At times he sounds uncannily like Professor Marvel, the Wizard of Oz’s earthly alter ego, not a good comparison for an Army hero.

Other notables:

• Morgan Freeman – looking so much younger than today – delivers a wonderfully grounded performance, as has become his trademark. Interestingly, Glory came out the same year that Driving Miss Daisy made him a superstar.
• Cary Elwes smirks too much, not a good thing for a pretty boy in a war movie.
• Andre Braugher – in his first movie role – brings his trademark nuanced intelligence to the role of sophisticated Bostonian black man.
• Raymond St. Jacques creates a regal Frederick Douglas, uncredited in the movie’s credits. Why?

Film - Very Good 3.5

First rate Civil War battle action and period details liven up the film, while stilted scenes back in Boston dampen it.

Edge - Risqué 2.2

Severe war violence: heads explode, bullets and bayonets go through torsos, etc. War movie fans will be appreciative. Ladies and children should stay away.

Reality - Glib 1.2

Many historical liberties were taken, starting with the fact that Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick’s character) is the only real character. All the rest are dramatic creations. Of all the characters to leave out, Sergeant William H. Carney is the most egregious. He was the first African-American recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroism at the Battle of Fort Wagner, which closes the movie.

Another concerns the pay controversy: Apparently it was Shaw’s idea to refuse pay if the black soldiers weren’t going to receive regular rates. The movie has it that the boycott began with the enlisted men.

Finally, the Army had phased out flogging as a form of corporal punishment by the time of the Civil War. So Denzel’s Oscar winning scene is a contrivance.

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