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Glory

1989 · Movie · R · 122 min · ★ 7.5 · 87% critics

DramaHistoryWar

Set during the US Civil War, the story follows the leader of the first all-black volunteer company fighting not only the Confederacy, but also deep prejudice within his own side. As the regiment forms and trains, they struggle for respect, dignity, and the right to prove themselves in battle.

Based on One Gallant Rush

Where to watch

Streaming on Netflix, fuboTV, YouTube TV +2 more — or rent from $3.99.

2 hours to watch.

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Details
Years
1989
Release date
1989-12-15
Language
English
Rated
R
Runtime
122 min
Critic score
87/100
TMDB rating
7.5/10 (1,807 votes)
About

You’ll likely enjoy Glory if you want an emotionally intense Civil War drama centered on dignity, perseverance, and prejudice from both sides; Not for you if you want a purely action-driven film like Full Metal Jacket or a more humanitarian-focused conflict story like Hotel Rwanda.

Pros: courageous emotional focus; strong performances; important historical story | Cons: some battles feel dated; occasionally underwhelms; can be heavy

Themes

  • based on true story
  • racism
  • battle
  • union soldier
  • confederate soldier
  • american civil war
  • 19th century
  • early america
  • african american history
  • american history

Awards & recognition

  • Academy AwardBest Supporting Actor · 1990
  • Academy AwardBest Sound · 1990
  • Academy AwardBest Cinematography · 1990
  • National Board of Review: Top Ten Films
  • Academy AwardBest Supporting Actor · 1990 · nominated
Show all 9 awards →
  • Academy AwardBest Cinematography · 1990 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Film Editing · 1990 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Production Design · 1990 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Sound · 1990 · nominated

Cast & crew

Directed by Edward Zwick