Glory (1989)

Introduction

Glory is one of the most stirring and emotionally resonant war films ever made — a powerful tribute to the often-overlooked contributions of African American soldiers in the Civil War. Released in 1989, it tells the true story of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the first African American regiment organized in the northern states during the Civil War.

Directed by Edward Zwick with a sharp eye for detail and historical fidelity, Glory is a war film that balances visceral battle sequences with intimate, character-driven drama. It doesn’t just depict war; it explores race, courage, pride, and the tragic complexities of American history.

The film not only resurrected a critical chapter in U.S. military and civil rights history but also launched Denzel Washington into superstardom with a performance that earned him a well-deserved Oscar.

Plot Overview

The film follows Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick), a privileged white Bostonian and Union officer, who is appointed to command the 54th Massachusetts — a regiment composed of Black volunteers, many of them former slaves. At first reluctant and unsure of himself, Shaw gradually becomes a dedicated leader, fighting against not just the Confederacy but also the deeply ingrained racism within the Union Army itself.

Among the soldiers we come to know are:

Trip (Denzel Washington), a hardened runaway slave with a chip on his shoulder and a searing personal pain.

John Rawlins (Morgan Freeman), a mature, respected gravedigger who becomes the regiment’s moral backbone.

Thomas Searles (Andre Braugher), a literate, free Black man and childhood friend of Shaw, whose gentility contrasts with the others’ rough backgrounds.

Jupiter Sharts (Jihmi Kennedy), a stammering, wide-eyed young recruit with a nervous optimism.

The film builds toward the climactic, historically accurate assault on Fort Wagner in South Carolina — a moment of devastating loss but enduring legacy.

Performances

Denzel Washington delivers a performance of blistering intensity as Trip. In a role that could have easily become a stereotype — the angry rebel — Washington finds nuance, vulnerability, and quiet pride. His iconic single tear during the flogging scene, set to James Horner’s haunting score, is one of the most unforgettable moments in film history. The performance is physical, emotional, and transformative — fully deserving of the Best Supporting Actor Oscar.

Morgan Freeman, in a quieter but equally powerful role, exudes authority and warmth as Rawlins. He serves as both father figure and moral compass, embodying the film’s themes of dignity and purpose.

Matthew Broderick takes on a difficult part in Shaw. Known primarily at the time for lighter roles like Ferris Bueller, Broderick gives a restrained and thoughtful performance. While not the film’s most charismatic presence, he convincingly portrays a young officer shaped by war, becoming increasingly committed to his men and their cause.

The supporting cast, especially Andre Braugher in his film debut, brings depth and dimension to a wide range of Black experiences during the Civil War — from free-born citizens to newly liberated slaves.

Direction and Cinematography

Edward Zwick directs with grace and conviction. He manages to find the human centre in a massive historical canvas, making the war feel both intimate and epic. The battle scenes are unflinching — brutal without being sensationalized. The final charge at Fort Wagner is among the most realistic and devastatingly poignant combat sequences ever filmed.

Freddie Francis’ cinematography, which won an Academy Award, is painterly and haunting. The visuals capture both the beauty of the American landscape and the desolation of war. Wide shots of soldiers marching across beaches contrast with claustrophobic trench scenes and the surreal quiet before cannon fire.

Zwick also avoids heavy-handed moralizing. He trusts the material, and more importantly, the performances, to carry the emotional weight.

Music and Sound

James Horner’s score is an essential component of the film’s power. It blends choral arrangements, especially the moving use of the Boys Choir of Harlem, with mournful strings and martial rhythms. The music elevates the film’s emotional arcs, particularly in the final battle sequence, which is as much an elegy as an action scene.

The sound design complements the realism — cannon blasts are concussive, rifles crack with terrifying randomness, and the quiet moments feel suffused with tension and sorrow.

Themes

Racism and Institutional Injustice

Despite fighting for the Union, the Black soldiers of the 54th are treated with disrespect and derision. They are denied shoes, paid less than white soldiers, and used for manual labour rather than combat. These indignities form the emotional core of the film. Their decision to fight anyway — not just for the Union, but for their self-worth and freedom — becomes a radical act of defiance.

Honour and Sacrifice

Shaw’s evolution into a leader willing to die alongside his men shows how honour is earned, not inherited. The film insists that heroism isn’t measured by status or race, but by conviction, sacrifice, and brotherhood.

Identity and Empowerment

Characters like Trip and Rawlins wrestle with internalized trauma and the question of what it means to be free. For many in the 54th, the uniform is more than clothing — it’s a symbol of equality, manhood, and self-determination.

Historical Fidelity

Glory takes liberties with historical accuracy in terms of character composites and dramatic timelines, but it is widely praised for its overall fidelity to the facts. Robert Gould Shaw was indeed a real historical figure, and his letters (which inspired much of the screenplay) paint him as a progressive and principled leader.

The assault on Fort Wagner was real — and although it ended in military defeat, it was a turning point in the war. The bravery of the 54th proved the combat effectiveness of Black troops and helped lead to the enlistment of nearly 200,000 African American soldiers in the Union Army.

Legacy and Impact

Glory was a critical success upon release and has since become a staple of classroom curriculums and discussions about race and American history. It gave mainstream visibility to a neglected part of Civil War history and helped pave the way for more complex depictions of Black military service in American cinema.

The film also significantly boosted the careers of its cast — most notably Denzel Washington, who became one of the defining actors of his generation.

Final Thoughts

Glory is a film of rare emotional and historical resonance. It combines spectacular filmmaking with intimate character study to tell a story of courage, dignity, and justice. More than just a war film, it's a meditation on race, leadership, and the price of freedom.

In a cinematic landscape often dominated by stories of white heroism, Glory made space for the courage of Black Americans to take centre stage — not as sidekicks, but as heroes of their own story.

Verdict

A harrowing, moving, and essential American epic that honours its subjects with honesty and reverence.