Glory

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1:23

Glory

R

Released Dec 15, 1989

2h 2m

War

History

Drama

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Popcornmeter

95%

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60 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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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...compelling subject matter that’s employed to somewhat uneven yet mostly entertaining effect by Zwick...

Rated: 3/4

Mar 30, 2025

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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

Full Review

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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Gareth v

A gripping, emotional war epic that honors its subject with heart and cinematic grace.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/15/25

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Stephen C

Success in 2 hours and 2 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dubbed and subtitled in worldwide studios!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $25,500,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/13/25

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Alex C

An amazing story with an ending that will leave you at the verge of tears. Warning: very graphic.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/08/25

Full Review

Matt C

Out of all the war movies I've seen, this one is one of my favorites. This film has it all. An all-star cast, captivating battle scenes, and an incredible score.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/29/25

Full Review

Mar•Garet W

Apparently, contemporary Movie-goers & "Reviews" (at least a large portion of them) wouldn't know a well-made Film if their Life Depended on it. Rating this Film 1/5 is tantamount to disembarking the Airplane before it's landed. Many viewer's idiocy when it comes to History on Film apparently knows no bounds. Suffice to say this is probably the Best Civil War / Pre-World War Movie put to Celluloid to date. Don't believe the Bridge Trolls, it is not to be missed - if you have a genuine appreciation for Film & History on Film, that is.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/11/25

Full Review

Eric C.

One of the greatest films ever made. Period.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/11/25

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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