Rewind Wednesday: Glory

Well what a week it has been! I am still on my "cloud 44"....ooooo I can't believe it!! But the show does not stop here, the road continues!

This week's Rewind Wednesday is Glory. A 1989 drama war film based on the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (the first formal unit made up of all African American men). Considering all the major events that have happened, it would only fit to have this film show its true colors. This beautifully shot and triumphantly acted (by a cast that includes Morgan Freeman, Cary Elwes, Denzel Washington, Matthew Broderick, and Andre Braugher), director Edward Zwick's film serves as a tribute to the courage and selfless bravery of the black soldiers of the Civil War (Rotten Tomatoes).

Based on the historical novels ONE GALLANT RUSH by Peter Burchand and LAY THIS LAUREL by Lincoln Kirstein and the letters of Robert Gould Shaw, the film follows the youthful Colonel Shaw (Matthew Broderick) as he takes responsibility for readying these soldiers for battle. The film depicts the 54th Masachusetts Volunteer Infantry training through the Christmas holidays of 1862 (after the September 1862 Battle of Antietam), but the real 54th Massachusetts did not organize until March 1863, and they were engaged in their first battle on James Island, SC on 16 July 1863, and then Battery Wagner (the final battle in the film) on 18 July 1863. The 54th went on to fight at Olustee, Florida (February 20, 1864); Honey Hill, South Carolina (November 30, 1864); and Boykin's Mill, South Carolina (April 18, 1865).

In the film it suggests that most of the black soldiers were former slaves from Southern secessionist states who wished to fight for the abolitionist North, but in fact the majority were born free in the North, although some did escape from slavery. Of the major characters in the movie's version of the regiment, only Robert Gould Shaw was a real person. The rest are composite characters. The name of Shaw's executive officer (Cabot Forbes) is a combination of the first name from one of the real Shaw's friends and the last name of another.

Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington, and Andre Braugher all played their roles so well that it just sticks to your soul. By far, they showed true emotion that only actors wish they could display now. many have said that this is "still one of the best war epics ever made!" I am just glad I was able to see this film at a young age and to then see it again as an adult. Your perspective is truly opened!

The film was nominated for five categories and won three Oscars:
Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Denzel Washington. (This would be his first Oscar win)
Oscar for Best Cinematography - Freddie Francis.
Oscar for Best Sound Mixing - Donald O. Mitchell, Gregg C. Rudloff, Elliot Tyson, Russell Williams II.

Just recently I purchased the DVD for my movie collection and I was just as moved this time around as I was the first time watching it. With such a powerful message embedded in this film one can't help but feel the same victory that is exhibited in the movie. In 2009 we have truly recieved a major downpayment on our lives as free men and women.

"Their innocence. Their heritage. Their lives. Nothing would be spared in the fight for their freedom. "

One of the best acting scenes in cinema history...I still get a chill and tear up from it.