Glory (1989)

Advantages: Great story, superb performances from the main characters
Disadvantages: No happy ending...

‘Glory’ is a much-underrated film, which deserves far more recognition than it got when released in 1989. When people talk about the ‘great’ war films, it seems to be easily forgotten, perhaps because the subject matter is a bit further removed from contemporary thoughts than the Second World War, for example. That is not to say that Steven Spielberg did not deserve the praise that was showered upon him for the horrifying ...
...in ‘Saving Private Ryan’ – I just find it amazing that such accolades were not bestowed on ‘Glory’ when it was released in 1989. It also features a sparkling cast, is based on a true story, and never sacrifices the real feeling of the story for schmaltzy Hollywood sentimentalism. The opening sequence to this film is imbued with expertly crafted tension and fear, as the Union soldiers march slowly towards the massed ... Read review

Advantages: great war film with great acting, excellent dvd documentary
Disadvantages: none whatsoever

...lot of good things about Glory and last night was the first time I actually sat down to watch it on dvd. The film tells the story of the first black regiment to fight for the north in the American Civil War. Led by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick) the regiment overcome adversity and predjudice to play a major part in the unions victory. The film focuses on a few main characters. Thomas Searles (Andre Braugher) is an old friend of Shaw's ...
...fighting. Shaw has many conflicts in leading the reigment. A normally kind man he has to show strength and make some harsh decisions to the anger of his friends including Major Cabot Forbes (Cary Elwes). A young black man named Trip (Denzel Washington) has to learn to function in a group and take orders. While Sergeant Major John Rawlins (Morgan Freeman)earns his stripes by earning the respect of those around him. Unlike many war films this isn't ... Read review

Advantages: Very moving, powerful anti-war statement.
Disadvantages: none

Glory must rank as one of the best war films of modern times. It is a fascinating true story of a black regiment in the American civil war and their heroic storming of a fort which cost practically all their lives. The director doesn't over dwell on the obvious racial tensions that existed but keeps it as merely part of the various dramas occuring, it is on the whole a hugely moving anti-war protest and the title is I presume meant to have an ironic ... Read review

Advantages: Freeman, Washington, Elwes, and Zwick.
Disadvantages: A little slow in the beginning.

...bring out all of the glory and honour this story deserves. If you are of a sensitive dispostion, then the fate of the regiment, given at the end of the film will depress you, but it is a credit to the memory of these great men that their story was told in this way. All in all, an outstanding film. ... Read review

Advantages: It will move you
Disadvantages: none

This film is about the first Black regiment in the Union Army in the American Civil War. It tells the story of their formation and their first few battles, it has many big name stars, Morgan Freeman, Matthew McConaghey and Laurence Fishburne. All the actors turn in excellent performances and the script is perfect in it's portrayal of historical events. The hardships that the regiment face are numerous due to racism within the Union Army and the young ...
...to be treated equally. I had never heard of this film until I saw it on satellite television and I can't understand why not many people have heard of it, it is simply one of the best films I've ever seen and without a doubt it is the best Civil war film I've seen. I can't recommend this film enough to watch it will make you a better human being, it is one of those films that moves you and leaves you feeling stunned at the end because of the sheer ... Read review

Advantages: classic epiosde
Disadvantages: -

...As you are probably all aware, I am a massive Only Fools and Horses fan. I had always watched them when I was young however it was not until they more or less came to an end with the Christmas Trilogy back in 1996, that I took a more active interest in these loveable characters. Each episode features highly in my opinion however this particular feature length epiosde The Jolly Boys Outing is by far in my top five of episodes, if not within the top three. This episode was first aired in the UK as a Christmas Special in 1989, as in my opinion is the only episode that features all characters together, to give this extra glory in itself. The Jolly Boys Outing is a regular occurance in Peckham, as most men probably are familiar with these weekends. For the Peckham guys, there weekend is a trip to Margate on a bank holiday weekend, to do... Read review

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Advantages: Dalton at his toughest.
Disadvantages: Not a moneyspinner in the States

...of a decompression tank and an axe give a frightening execution, the scene is shown in it’s full glory. Even though the film was made in 1989, the special effects are quite impressive as most of them on a large scale, you do get the impression of size as this works with the direction. As you would expect from John Glen, who has previously directed most of the franchise, the direction of the film is sound and quick paced, the camera angles not only build the tension but also get you thinking as to what will happen next. John Glen has directed this with gusto and perfection. Thankfully the Director has decided that the use of the back projection has been completely abandoned and the actual actors can be seen hanging off vehicles and so on, this not only give a certain amount of gravity but then bases it permanently in reality. As well as including his... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful