Unveiling the Flawless Triumph: Denzel Washington's 34-Year-Old War Movie Seizes an Astonishing Near-Perfect Score From Historian

Summary

The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment during the Civil War is beautifully portrayed in Glory, a war movie directed by Edward Zwick and featuring Denzel Washington. Renowned historian Gary Adelman awards it an impressive score of 9 out of 10 for its exceptional accuracy.

Adelman emphasizes the movie's precise depiction of battles, military strategies, and the difficulties encountered by infantry lines. Furthermore, he acknowledges the infrequency of night combat during the Civil War and commends the film for accurately incorporating this element.

The emotional impact of Glory's portrayal of the Battle of Fort Wagner, which showcases black soldiers, deeply moved viewers. Despite some discussions surrounding the extent of Colonel Shaw's prominence, the film garnered acclaim for its narrative, settings, and emphasis on Black American soldiers. It received several Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Denzel Washington.

Denzel Washington's war movie Glory, directed by Edward Zwick, has earned high praise from historian Gary Adelman. The film tells the story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, an important Black unit during the American Civil War, and their role in the Battle of Fort Wagner and other conflicts. Washington's portrayal of Private Silas Trip won him his first Academy Award, and he was joined by an impressive cast including Cary Elwes, Andre Braugher, Morgan Freeman, and Matthew Broderick as Colonel Robert Gould Shaw.

In a recent video from Insider, Adelman discusses various scenes from Glory, highlighting their accuracy. He starts by mentioning the Battle of Antietam, emphasizing how armies would target trees with their ammunition and noting the importance of right-handedness for effective infantry lines. Adelman also touches on the rarity of nighttime attacks and briefly discusses the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. Ultimately, he gives the film a rating of 9 out of 10, calling it his favorite Civil War battle scene.

The Battle of Antietam holds high stakes for both the South and the North. The South, riding on a series of victories, sees a potential opportunity for the European powers to recognize the Confederacy if they emerge victorious once again. Conversely, the North, experiencing a losing streak, desperately needs to halt the powerful Confederate Army led by Robert E. Lee. This would provide Abraham Lincoln with an opening to issue his Emancipation Proclamation, thereby altering the purpose and trajectory of the war.

Why Glory Has Received So Much Praise

In an infantry line, it is crucial for every soldier to be right-handed. Shooting in two ranks means there are two heads in front of each soldier. For right-handed individuals, shooting between those heads is feasible. However, left-handed soldiers risk unintentionally shooting the individual in front of them and the person to their right. Additionally, soldiers require a trigger finger and two front teeth in order to tear off the cartridge and pour the powder into their guns.

Night fighting during the Civil War is a rare occurrence due to the strategic importance of visibility. The ability to see the enemy and one's own flag is paramount. Despite this, battles could still take place at night when necessary. For example, a portion of the Battle of Fort Wagner occurred in the evening. Colonel Shaw aptly expressed his desire to advance under cover of darkness, a sentiment shared by many attacking forces.

The Battle of Fort Wagner also witnessed a notable combat involving Black soldiers, marking a significant moment in Civil War history. Although the 54th Massachusetts managed to enter Fort Wagner, they soon discovered the challenging task of holding and controlling the territory. On a scale of one to ten, I would rate this fragment a nine. It effectively captures the essential elements required to comprehend the scene and provides insight into the nature of combat during the Civil War. While not flawless, it is sufficiently well-executed.

Glory encompasses a multitude of precise elements, as Adelman highlighted, embodying an authentic representation of certain battles and military strategies employed during the Civil War. Commencing with the Battle of Antietam, the film acquaints viewers with Broderick's character, a genuine commanding officer in the Union Army who led the 54th Massachusetts. While Silas and other individuals constituting the unit in the movie were fictional, several soldiers hailed from states where slavery prevailed.

Glory has received acclaim for its compelling narrative and the stirring Battle of Fort Wagner, which left a strong emotional impact on viewers. The film's portrayal of Black American soldiers and its attention to settings have been praised by many, despite the discussions surrounding Colonel Shaw's level of prominence. At the 62nd Academy Awards, Glory received recognition and accolades, including wins for Best Supporting Actor, Best Cinematography, and Best Sound.

Denzel Washington's remarkable acting career has been further exalted by his contributions to Glory, a film that continues to be revered since its release in 1989. Adelman's insights into the movie's portrayal of the Civil War and its attention to detail are fascinating. As he observed, while not entirely flawless, Glory managed to capture many significant aspects with impressive accuracy.

Source: Insider