Glory

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1:23

Glory

R

1989

2h 2m

War

History

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

95%

Tomatometer

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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Chris X. M

This is a brilliant and compelling Civil War film, with layered storytelling that works on multiple levels. It's rooted in truth and captures both the brutality of the conflict and the complex relationship between North and South. Few Civil War movies can match Glory, and its Oscar-winning sound elevates it even further. Critics often point to Matthew Broderick as the film's weakest link, arguing that his portrayal of a reluctant young officer-struggling to balance fear, duty, and idealism-may stretch beyond his range. Still, he brought early attention to the film and helped broaden its impact at the time of release. Cary Elwes is also slightly out of his depth here. Denzel Washington delivers an Oscar-winning performance that remains one of his most unforgettable. And Morgan Freeman-who absolutely should have been nominated-gives a commanding, grounded portrayal that shows why he was destined to become a cinematic legend long before The Shawshank Redemption.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/03/25

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Scott W

Hands down the best film about the Civil War.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/22/25

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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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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

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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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