"Glory" A Different Approach to the Fifty Fourth Massachusetts Infantry

Title: "Glory" A Different Approach to the Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Infantry
By: Jordan Evans
     Recently in one of my history classes we analyzed and watched the movie, Glory by Edward Zwick. This movie has interested me in many ways from a historical point of view that I would enjoy to give a review of it. You may be wondering, what is this movie all about? Glory is an action packed drama with a twist of historical references. It deals with the Civil War and the 54th Massachusetts Infantry. It also includes the letters that Col. Shaw wrote to his family about his infantry and struggles.
     Colonel Shaw was an officer in the federal Army during the American Civil War who volunteered to lead the first company of all black soldiers. Shaw was forced to deal with the prejudices of both the enemy, and of his own fellow officers. It had been taken in South Carolina where the Union officers were fighting on Confederate lines. Main characters included Robert Shaw who was commander of the 54th Massachusetts, Private Trip who was somewhat of a troublemaker throughout the film, and Major Cabot Forbes who was a close friend to Shaw throughout the film.
     Actor Matthew Broadrick, who plays Robert Shaw does a fantastic job displaying the real life Robert Shaw. His intense role and amazing skills allow him to execute his role efficiently. Actor Denzel Washington, who plays Private Trip does a good job displaying a runaway slave who believes that the Union is just using the African Americans "as slaves" in disguise. He does change his attitude toward his troops after being confronted, but it was not until then that he realized that they were his true family. Actor Cary Elwes, who plays Major Cabot Forbes did an amazing job displaying the support to Robert Shaw's flaws. Forbes always snapped Shaw into reality and made him realize that his soldiers should be treated equal.
     This movie was very accurate to the truth of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry. One main difference that I did not enjoy is that throughout the film, they made it as if the 54th were all runaway slaves, but in reality they were well groomed, free African American men. Something I did enjoy throughout the film is that in the two war scenes where there was action, accuracy was almost on point. I enjoyed that Robert Shaw in the movie looked identical to the actual Robert Shaw, as well as Cabot Forbes. I liked that they tried to make it as accurate as possible. The only historical inaccuracy that was really noticeable was the fact that the 54th weren't runaway slaves, but they were free well classed African Americans.
     One main lesson that this movie teaches is that when the Union trusted the 54th to a battle that they encouraged and united the Union soldiers as a whole. The 54th made such a difference in the war, and changed a lot of aspects toward the war. Another lesson would have to be uniting as one. In one scene, the white soldiers were taking their hats off to the 54th which showed respect. 
     If you love action and drama, this is a movie you would love. It always kept me on my edge and satisfied all my needs. I would recommend it to anyone who loves movies, or historical movies. This movie should definitely be requested to any history class. This movie is rated R, and it is a really good movie.
     I would score this movie as a 5 out of 5. It was so outstanding to me that is deserved 5 stars. 5 stars compliment the entirety of the film. This movie was very interesting, and anybody who runs across this film should definitely grab a bag of popcorn and enjoy it. This movie is very enjoyable and I advise this movie to all.
     Jordan Evans is a junior who attends Sterling High school. He works in a movie theater at Cinemark 16 as an usher. He plays year round soccer and is interested in going to college for soccer. He keeps himself entertained with his blog spot, working out, playing soccer, and hanging out with his friends. He enjoys his life, and just loves everyone.