An Unknown Black Union Regiment
The movie “Glory” is a 1989 film about the civil war wherein an unrecognized black regiment led by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, played by Matthew Broderick, made a significant impact to the course of the civil war, even if the regiment got decimated at Fort Wagner during the last part of the movie. Initially, some members of the Union thought of it as a bad idea to recruit and train blacks in their army. When the officials agreed on the terms, these black soldiers were not placed on the battlefield but were assigned to menial and auxiliary duties such as digging up roads and cleaning up the messes left on the battlefield. They even got lesser pay for their effort than their white counterparts. At times, the soldier named Trip, played by Denzel Washington, would convey and represent what the entire regiment felt about the unfair treatment towards their regiment, as well as to all other black soldiers fighting for the Union and their freedom. However, this did not make them quit their dreams and soon enough, they were engaged in a battle against the Confederates. After several successful engagements, they faced the heavily defended Fort Wagner wherein they volunteered to lead the way and capture the fort. However, they failed and all of them died, including Col. Shaw and their white officers.
This is probably one of the first American civil war movies wherein black soldiers played a big role. These soldiers became an inspiration to all other black freemen to join the Union army and fight for them. In my opinion, the story of the movie that concentrates on the heroic black regiment and their honorable colonel became its key strength. At the time of its release, it was something that has not yet been done before in such a way that it gave recognition to the black soldiers that fought throughout the civil war, as well as celebrated their contribution to the cause of freedom for all slaves. The movie tends to highlight their significance in the Union’s victory over the Confederates since recruiting Black Americans increased their military strength over the Confederates. During the movie, a certain level of racism can even be sensed from the Union side which showed that not all members of the Union—soldiers, politicians, and the like—tend to appreciate the efforts of the Black American soldiers, nor would they give them an opportunity to show their talents on the battlefield.
The only weakness that can be seen in the movie is its addition of fabricated elements that may seem necessary to add more drama to the entire movie. If it were to be historical and worth noting, then “Glory” could have just skimped on these elements. Of course, war movies tend to over-exaggerate some parts to make it more dramatic which may be the same case for “Glory.” However, its primary strength already conveys its message that black soldiers during the American civil war should also be recognized for their valiant efforts. Therefore, the heightened sense of drama becomes an expendable appendage of the movie.
Overall, the movie features a great story which can move people and educate them about the impact of Black Americans during the civil war when they decided to volunteer in the Union army as an active soldier. The Fort Wagner assault also conveyed a sense of courage and heroism that the Black soldiers possessed during the civil war, wherein they valiantly sacrificed their lives for the sake of freedom. Therefore, “Glory” defined the instrumentality and overall impact of black soldiers during the civil war
This is probably one of the first American civil war movies wherein black soldiers played a big role. These soldiers became an inspiration to all other black freemen to join the Union army and fight for them. In my opinion, the story of the movie that concentrates on the heroic black regiment and their honorable colonel became its key strength. At the time of its release, it was something that has not yet been done before in such a way that it gave recognition to the black soldiers that fought throughout the civil war, as well as celebrated their contribution to the cause of freedom for all slaves. The movie tends to highlight their significance in the Union’s victory over the Confederates since recruiting Black Americans increased their military strength over the Confederates. During the movie, a certain level of racism can even be sensed from the Union side which showed that not all members of the Union—soldiers, politicians, and the like—tend to appreciate the efforts of the Black American soldiers, nor would they give them an opportunity to show their talents on the battlefield.
The only weakness that can be seen in the movie is its addition of fabricated elements that may seem necessary to add more drama to the entire movie. If it were to be historical and worth noting, then “Glory” could have just skimped on these elements. Of course, war movies tend to over-exaggerate some parts to make it more dramatic which may be the same case for “Glory.” However, its primary strength already conveys its message that black soldiers during the American civil war should also be recognized for their valiant efforts. Therefore, the heightened sense of drama becomes an expendable appendage of the movie.
Overall, the movie features a great story which can move people and educate them about the impact of Black Americans during the civil war when they decided to volunteer in the Union army as an active soldier. The Fort Wagner assault also conveyed a sense of courage and heroism that the Black soldiers possessed during the civil war, wherein they valiantly sacrificed their lives for the sake of freedom. Therefore, “Glory” defined the instrumentality and overall impact of black soldiers during the civil war
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