The 1989 historical war epic Glory will air on Film4 tonight, September 30, at 9pm. The three-time Oscar-winning film stars Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman and Matthew Broderick in lead roles, alongside Andre Braugher, Jihmi Kennedy, Cliff DeYoung, Alan North and John Finn.
Directed by Edward Zwick, Glory follows the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first official African American regiments in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The film traces the unit's journey from its formation through to the Second Battle of Fort Wagner, under the command of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw.
Source Material and Box Office
The screenplay, crafted by Kevin Jarre, draws inspiration from Lincoln Kirstein's 1973 novel Lay This Laurel, Peter Burchard's 1965 book One Gallant Rush, as well as Colonel Shaw's personal letters. Glory earned $27 million at the global box office against an $18 million production budget.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly about making the film, director Edward Zwick shared: "What these [actors] were doing was essential and it was so strong that you wanted to get out of its way and just let it happen."
Critical and Audience Reception
With a near-perfect 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes, Glory has received widespread praise. One audience review lauded the cast: "Glory remains one of the most powerful Civil War dramas ever made. This is Matthew Broderick's finest performance—measured, sincere, and commanding without overplaying it. Denzel Washington is unforgettable, delivering a raw, emotional performance that elevates the entire film. Morgan Freeman adds strength and dignity, while Cary Elwes and André Braugher round out a stellar ensemble. Epic yet deeply personal, Glory still holds up—stirring, heartbreaking, and absolutely exemplary."
Another fan noted: "An absolute triumph and arguably the best movie based on the Civil War ever made, Glory utilizes its phenomenal cast to the max, fleshing out the characters despite the large number of them. Overall, a very emotional and absolutely stellar film: a definite must-see."
One viewer added: "Out of all the war movies I've seen, this one is one of my favourites. This film has it all. An all-star cast, captivating battle scenes, and an incredible score."
Critics' Verdict and Broadcast Details
A glowing IMDB user review reads: "I'll make this short and to the point: Glory is the most beautiful war movie ever made, carried from beginning to end by a faultless cast and rousing sequences. Not many films have made me cry before. Glorious is Glory, and the 54th gave 'em hell, all right - 10/10"
Critics have also been impressed, with one writing: "An absolutely phenomenal war movie," while another described it as: "This is a sad and gallant chapter, and a first-rate movie." Yet another reviewer added: "A moving piece of historical drama and an evocative human story of men whose fight wasn't strictly reserved for the battlefield."
Glory will air on Film4 tonight, September 30, at 9pm.
