Glory

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1:23

Glory

R

1989

2h 2m

War

History

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

95%

Tomatometer

62 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

07/26/2022

8/10

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.

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Joe Pollack

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

07/25/2022

This is a sad and gallant chapter, and a first-rate movie.

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John Pym

Sight & Sound

01/16/2020

The film's chief virtue is its spectacular choreography. The final battle... is a striking combination of dynamism and clarity.

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Justin Brown

Medium Popcorn

Feb 6

4/5

I really liked this film and think they did an amazing job with it. Matthew Broderick's performance aside, it was great to see legends Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington, and Andre Braugher in scenes together.

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Brandon Collins

Medium Popcorn

Feb 6

4/5

Despite being disappointed by Matthew Broderick's performance, all of the other actors were working at 100%. There's a reason Denzel won an Oscar for this.

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

Mar 30

3/4

...compelling subject matter that’s employed to somewhat uneven yet mostly entertaining effect by Zwick...

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Matt L

@Mattliptak Feb 12

Glory (1989) 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.

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Scott M.

@Skeeeeezo Feb 8

Maybe a marvel for it's time, but after having just recently seen Glory, i don't totally understand it's acclaim.

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Brandon S

@brando12 Feb 7

Got a chance to watch glory for the Black History Month at amc and I’m glad I did. Not a really big fan of war movies but it’s great to watch the OGs act their asses off

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Jerod S

@jeroduptown Feb 4

Incredible from the story angle - but Broderick doesn't have the chops to keep up with Washington & Freeman. Great cinematography.

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Mike M

@XJ10Toy Jan 29

not at all what i was expecting. gritty, heartwarming, courageous. i'm really quite surprised i've never seen this in 35 years, but i whole-heartedly recommend the movie for its superb acting, cinematography, and story.

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Shiba H

@S.HILL22 Jan 28

Watching Glory was an emotional and eye-opening experience. Denzel Washington’s performance is unforgettable, filled with raw emotion and intensity, while Morgan Freeman brings strength and wisdom to his role. The film doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of war and discrimination, making the story feel honest and deeply moving. More than a war movie, Glory is a reminder of resilience, brotherhood, and the cost of freedom. Even decades later, its message remains powerful and relevant. Morgan Freeman brings calm strength and wisdom, while the rest of the cast adds authenticity that makes the brotherhood among the soldiers feel genuine. Glory doesn’t shy away from the truth. It shows the harsh realities of war, discrimination, and sacrifice, but it also highlights unity, pride, and perseverance. Even decades later, its message is still powerful and relevant. This is a film everyone should watch at least once. It’s moving, meaningful, and unforgettable.

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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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