Glory Movie Essay

Perhaps the greatest war in American History, the Civil War, fought over one hundred and fifty years ago, is considered to be the bloodiest battle and most unique because of the number of casualties and the fact that it was the only war fought on American soil. The legacy that the Civil War left behind for future generations was one of hope, equality and understanding. However, the rebuilding of the South and the new laws that were to be enacted to stop any other wars breaking out that would divide the Union were an endeavor that would shape the future of the South, North and the rest of the United States for many years. The freeing of the slaves in the South has led to many other equality reforms throughout the years which have made all men

It is a film about the Civil War based on the history of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry that saw extensive service in the Union Army during the Civil War. The company was one of the first official black units in the United States. It was also known as the “Fighting Fifty-fourth”. The company was led by the commendable Colonel Robert Shaw played by Matthew Broderick. Colonel Shaw had to overcome a huge amount of difficulty during the war. It told a story of African Americans. It was the participation of African Americans that helped turn the course of the war. There were nearly 300,000 men that fought for the North. The scenes in Glory were possibly some of the most accurate and unforgettable Civil War reenactments ever shot. The soundtrack, cinematography, and acting that captured my attention from the very beginning of the film. It was the fact that these men were fighting to free their very own race which adds to the passion and sentiment that this movie raises. The film successfully shapes the characters of the 54th company by depicting their exhausting months of training and development. A very good example of this training is at the end of the movie when the 54th is given the chance to fight in an attack on the beach of South Carolina at Fort Wagner. The 54th was at the forefront of the hopeless attack on the fort because it was thought that the blacks would not be disciplined under fire. It was during this fight that the 54th displayed the bravery that convinced President Lincoln to recruit many more black soldiers. The director does an outstanding job of not pushing the story. The inspiration is implanted in the characters and the way in which they overcome problems, including, most importantly, their own fears. The historical foundation, for the most part, on which Glory was portrayed, is accurate. The director put a great amount of energy into the historical