
Glory
1989 · Movie · R · 122 min · ★ 7.5 · 87% critics
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
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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 Award — Best Supporting Actor · 1990
- Academy Award — Best Sound · 1990
- Academy Award — Best Cinematography · 1990
- National Board of Review: Top Ten Films
- Academy Award — Best Supporting Actor · 1990 · nominated
Show all 9 awards →
- Academy Award — Best Cinematography · 1990 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Film Editing · 1990 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Production Design · 1990 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Sound · 1990 · nominated
Cast & crew

Matthew Broderick
as Col. Robert Gould Shaw

Denzel Washington
as Pvt. Trip

Cary Elwes
as Maj. Cabot Forbes

Morgan Freeman
as Sgt. Maj. John Rawlins

Jihmi Kennedy
as Pvt. Jupiter Sharts

Andre Braugher
as Cpl. Thomas Searles

John Finn
as Sgt. Maj. Mulcahy

Donovan Leitch
as Capt. Charles Fessenden Morse

JD Cullum
as Henry Sturgis Russell

Bob Gunton
as Gen. Charles Garrison Harker
Directed by Edward Zwick