Glory

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1:23

Glory

R

Released Dec 15, 1989

2h 2m

War

History

Drama

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Popcornmeter

95%

Tomatometer

59 Reviews

93%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Following the Battle of Antietam, Col. Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick) is offered command of the United States' first all-African-American regiment, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. With junior officer Cabot Forbes (Cary Elwes), Shaw puts together a strong and proud unit, including the escaped slave Trip (Denzel Washington) and the wise gravedigger John Rawlins (Morgan Freeman). At first limited to menial manual tasks, the regiment fights to be placed in the heat of battle.

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Critics Consensus

Bolstered by exceptional cinematography, powerful storytelling, and an Oscar-winning performance by Denzel Washington, Glory remains one of the finest Civil War movies ever made.

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Michael H. Price

Fort Worth Star-Telegram/DFW.com

Washington, in his best performance since the black-story-white-viewpoint misfire of Cry Freedom, is exceptionally good as a fugitive slave whose tense relationship with Matthew Broderick charges the film's emotional core.

Rated: 8/10

Jul 26, 2022

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Joe Pollack

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

This is a sad and gallant chapter, and a first-rate movie.

Jul 25, 2022

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John Pym

Sight & Sound

The film's chief virtue is its spectacular choreography. The final battle... is a striking combination of dynamism and clarity.

Jan 16, 2020

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

A superbly designed tearjerker of a war epic, highlighting an often overlooked historical division entirely deserving of this big-budget, star-studded, theatrical adaptation.

Rated: 8/10

Feb 6, 2025

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

A rousing Civil War drama based on the true story of the 54th Massachusetts infantry, a Union regiment of black soldiers.

Rated: B+

Jun 26, 2024

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Director Edward Zwick stages some remarkable battle sequences, but the film’s core rests in the complicated relationships between its characters.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jun 9, 2024

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john f

35 years later this movie still holds up and brings tears to my eyes. Amazing storytelling and performances.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/17/25

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Aleksandar D

Easily the best Civil War movie out there and a stunning performance from Denzel & Morgan. Epic.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/24/24

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Matt W

This is probably the greatest Civil War movie. Amazing cast, direction, score. It's extremely powerful and will stay with you for a long time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/20/24

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Garrett B

A good and touching war film

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/03/24

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Audience Member

Action scenes were amazing characters were great movie was perfect

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/29/24

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Nevin C

Possibly in my top 3 favorite movies of all time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/28/24

Full Review

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Edward Zwick

Director

Matthew Broderick

Col. Robert Gould Shaw

Denzel Washington

Pvt. Trip

Morgan Freeman

Sgt. Maj. John Rawlins

Cary Elwes

Maj. Cabot Forbes

Jihmi Kennedy

Pvt. Jupiter Sharts

Glory: Official Clip - The Worst Soldier in this Whole Company

2:08

Glory: Official Clip - Rawlins Confronts Trip

2:10

Glory: Official Clip - Trip Gets Flogged

2:11

Glory: Official Clip - Prayers of the 54th

2:13

Glory: Official Clip - The Battle of Antietam

2:12

Glory: Official Clip - Shaw vs. the Quartermaster

2:13

Glory: Official Clip - Breaching Fort Wagner

2:12

Glory: Official Clip - Shaw and Trip Fall Together

2:11

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Glory: Trailer 1

1:23

Glory 30th Anniversary (1989) presented by TCM: Fathom Events Trailer

0:29

Denzel Washington Coolest Lines Mashup

2:00

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Synopsis

Following the Battle of Antietam, Col. Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick) is offered command of the United States' first all-African-American regiment, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. With junior officer Cabot Forbes (Cary Elwes), Shaw puts together a strong and proud unit, including the escaped slave Trip (Denzel Washington) and the wise gravedigger John Rawlins (Morgan Freeman). At first limited to menial manual tasks, the regiment fights to be placed in the heat of battle.

Director: Edward Zwick
Producer: Freddie Fields
Screenwriter: Kevin Jarre
Distributor: TriStar Pictures, Columbia Tristar
Production Co: TriStar Pictures, Freddie Fields Productions
Rating: R
Genre: War, History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 15, 1989, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $25.5M
Runtime: 2h 2m
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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