The Oscar-winning 1989 war epic Glory, starring Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman and Matthew Broderick, is set to air on Film4 tonight, September 30, at 9pm. The film has been praised by fans as 'absolutely phenomenal' and 'terribly underrated', with some calling it 'the best war movie of all time'.
A Star-Studded Civil War Epic
The historical war epic also features Andre Braugher, Jihmi Kennedy, Cliff DeYoung, Alan North and John Finn in its ensemble cast. Directed by Edward Zwick, the film draws from Lincoln Kirstein's 1973 novel Lay This Laurel, Peter Burchard's 1965 work One Gallant Rush, and Colonel Shaw's personal correspondence, with Kevin Jarre writing the screenplay.
The film tells the story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first official African American units in the Union Army during the American Civil War, following the regiment from its formation through to the Second Battle of Fort Wagner. The unit served under the command of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
The official synopsis reads: "Robert Gould Shaw leads the U.S. Civil War's first all-black volunteer company, fighting prejudices from both his own Union Army, and the Confederates."
Glory received five Academy Award nominations and claimed three wins, with Denzel Washington securing both the Best Supporting Actor Oscar and the Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe for his performance. The film holds a near-flawless 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
One critic described the film as: "A superbly designed tearjerker of a war epic, highlighting an often overlooked historical division entirely deserving of this big-budget, star-studded, theatrical adaptation." Another reviewer added: "Still one of the best war epics ever made, with all around fantastic performances." A third critic noted: "This is the rare Hollywood blockbuster that has the gumption to tell us there really is no justice."
Fan Reactions
Audiences have been equally enthusiastic, with one fan writing: "From beginning to the end, this movie is absolutely phenomenal. Near perfection. It is so strong, powerful, emotional, and deeply patriotic. Laced with outstanding performances from the beautiful Matthew Broderick, the legendary Morgan Freeman, and the unconquerable Denzel Washington."
Another viewer review says: "This is by far one of the best movies I have ever seen over and over again. This movie was most excellent and outstanding. It does something very few movies do. It runs chills up my spine every time I see it. From the opening scene to the last, the cinematography and the battle scenes are spectacular."
A user review posted to IMDB reads: "WOW! That is all that can be expressed for this wonderful film. This has to be, without a doubt, Denzel's best work and well deserving of the Academy Award he took home. Great scenery, great acting, and great costume design reminiscent of the time frame. A great tearjerker throughout and a marvellous film altogether! !"
One fan of the war epic adds: "A terribly underrated film which deserved better. With one of the best ensemble casts of all time, this ranks as one of the best war films of all time. With a collection of great black actors like no other, everything seemed to work well in this film, from the cinematography to the acting. Edward Zwick created a masterpiece."
Glory will be broadcast on Film4 this evening, September 30, at 9pm.
