← Back to results
Glory
1989 122 min United States of America R 16+
★8.4
Drama, History, War
Director: Edward Zwick
🎭 Based on
«One Gallant Rush»
Trailers
EN
EN
EN
Description
Robert Gould Shaw leads the US Civil War's first all-black volunteer company, fighting prejudices of both his own Union army and the Confederates.
Budget:
$18M
US Gross:
$26.98M
Worldwide:
$26.8M
Starring
Matthew Broderick
Actor
Denzel Washington
Actor
Cary Elwes
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 1990
— Best Supporting Actor
Academy Awards 1990
— Best Sound
Academy Awards 1990
— Best Cinematography
BAFTA 1991
— Best Cinematography
Academy Awards 1990
— Best Sound
Golden Globe 1990
— Best Original Score
Academy Awards 1990
— Best Film Editing
Academy Awards 1990
— Best Production Design
Academy Awards 1990
— Best Cinematography
Golden Globe 1990
— Best Director
Golden Globe 1990
— Best Supporting Actor
Key opinion
Glory is widely regarded as a significant and emotionally resonant historical drama that sensitively explores the formation of the first all-Black Union regiment. While most critics praise its production values and moving performances, opinions are divided on the film's historical idealism and the effectiveness of its lead performance.
| Acting | Denzel Washington provides a standout, powerful performance that consistently anchors the film's emotional gravity. | |
| Cinematography | Freddie Francis's cinematography and the film's authentic set design effectively capture the period atmosphere without relying on modern CGI. | |
| Theme | The film is praised for its thematic focus on racial prejudice and the pursuit of honor, which elevates it beyond standard war movie tropes. | |
| Acting | Matthew Broderick’s performance as Colonel Shaw polarizes viewers; some find it a nuanced portrayal, while others argue he lacks the necessary screen presence to lead the ensemble. | |
| Originality | The narrative balance is debated; supporters appreciate its accessible, classic Hollywood storytelling, whereas detractors criticize the portrayal of characters as overly idealized or sanitized for a general audience. | |
| Pacing | The film's pacing and structural weight create disagreement, with some viewers finding the runtime contemplative and effective, while others feel the plot is uneven and the ending feels abrupt. |