Stepping Forward | Glory

[@davidallbaugh6858]

I was a Civil War Re-enactor who was an extra in Glory. I am in the scene where the white troops are cheering the 54th. Being in this movie is the part of my life I am prodest of. I often cry when I see this film.

[@DennisSullivan-om3oo]

Give em hell, 54th!

[@davidallbaugh6858]

@@DennisSullivan-om3oo That is what we were yelling !

[@DennisSullivan-om3oo]

@@davidallbaugh6858 If I play it, can I actually spot you as an individual?

[@davidallbaugh6858]

@@DennisSullivan-om3oo Dennis, you can, as I recall, wasI toward the end of the two lines. I was a bit pudgy, in my mid-thirties and with a mustache. I was cheering enthusiastic and waving my cap.

[@phlebas80]

I envy you for this chance mate. I can imagine how impressive is in your soul your memory of that day

[@CheesyOrteezy]

Morgan freeman’s character comforting the boy while he himself was probably scared shitless is the definition of masculinity

[@markellzey1531]

He was more excited than scared. They all were. That's why they didn't sleep the night before at all. This is what they all wanted to do from the start. They wanted to fight for their freedom and they finally got their chance.

[@TheNerdForAllSeasons]

"We'll be by directly." Me: Sobbing like a bitch

[@daniellopezt.v2529]

Yes sir.

[@bbface21]

Not to mention leadership.

[@oculosprudentium8486]

LEADING FROM THE FRONT, most times meant being among the very first ones that died.

[@trev9168]

“Remember what you see here” the way he delivers that line sends chills down my spine every time

[@QuinnJACKSON-zx1dx]

Heavy man, real heavy.

[@davidallbaugh6858]

That line sends chills down my spine everytime as well.

[@longshot7601]

I was impressed with Matthew Broderick's acting in this film. He held his own next to Freemand and Denzel.

[@clay523]

​@@gaslandrights1745misunderstood entire story

[@LAlonely]

I love the reaction to the newspaper reporter. He finally understood the importance of what 54th meant and how Gould wanted people to know even after his death.

[@kettch777]

Col. Shaw could not have asked for finer men to serve under him. And they, could not have asked for a finer commanding officer. God bless their memory.

[@notfeedynotlazy]

What a body-guard he has!

[@marknewton6984]

Amateur. Sacrificed brave men. Sorry

[@kettch777]

@@marknewton6984 Oh really? And how would you have assaulted the fort, eh?

[@spreadeagle2561]

Agreed.

[@henryratajczak7806]

AMEN 😊

[@thomasparker2447]

"I'll see you in the fort, Thomas." It tears your heart out; they both know that they're never making it into that fort, but it's worth their lives to try to do it. Beautifully played by Broderick and Braugher.

[@georgesingleton3425]

R I P Mr. Braugher.

[@Amari_Antique21-el6uv]

Rest in Power Andre Braugher. Thank you for you sharing your extraordinary talents to bring some the greatest heroes of Black American men to serve this country. As Pvt Thomas in Glory & The legendary Colonel Benjamin O Davis in HBO Tuskegee Airmen Fly high my brother🕊🙏

[@poodypooroo]

Thomas did end up making it. It's an amazing moment that cements how strong their friendship is. Thomas spends most of the movie heartbroken and abandoned by what he views as his abandonment by Shaw, then when he sees war at James Island (and takes a wound) and sees how concerned Shaw is for his survival he begins to realize that Shaw did what he had to as an officer to prepare Thomas for war, and that refusing to coddle him was the most caring thing he could have done. This scene is the first time they both look at each other as fellow soldiers.

[@kevingohdcantgo10_0]

@@poodypoorooI’m pretty sure he dies at the last scene of the charge of the fort when they shoot the cannons

[@genxer1]

@@kevingohdcantgo10_0 Yeah, he technically did make it into the fort. It's not shown directly, but him and Freeman and Elwes and a few others take a volley of cannon fire at point blank range so it's safe to assume they all died. Probably wasn't much of them left to bury.

[@Markus_Andrew]

The best role Matthew Broderick ever played, imo. Some thought he looked too young for the role, but the real-life Shaw was only 25 at the time of the assault on Fort Wagner. That scene of him looking out over the sea and at the birds, knowing they would likely be the last of the natural world he would ever see before the human carnage began, is moving and powerful, made all the more so by James Horner's gorgeous score.

[@Swlabr61]

I remember on the Siskel and Ebert show, I think it was Roger Ebert who said Matthew Broderick and co-star Cary Elwes should've switched roles. Apparently, he thought Elwes would've been a better Colonel Shaw.

[@ChrisSmith-kw4gn]

I think they both did quite well. Mad starpower in this movie.

[@StephenKershaw1]

there would be no birds in the sky during such an assault... hey would be far from there

[@wakeoftheflood2]

@@StephenKershaw1 my thoughts too

[@dejiadeleye5697]

Sorry, his role in this is spectacular, but Simba’s still the winner

[@pointly]

For freedom, they fought. For Union, they fought. For America, they fought. For the flag, they fought. And for we, today, we give them Glory as heroes and martyrs of freedom. Brave soldiers. All of them. A nation indebted to them for their honorable service and selfless sacrifice. God bless the black soldiers that fought and died so our nation could be united and great!

[@NarnianQueen89]

Yeah but nobody talks about the freed that fought for southern cause.

[@Buzzy_Bland]

@@NarnianQueen89 Oh plenty of people are willing to talk about them, or rather their non-existence. Oh, except for that five minute period before the confederates surrendered and started desperately trying to pretend they didn’t secede because they wouldn’t except that they wouldn’t be able to expand slavery. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZDddXt-bN9-fKs

[@spartanwarrior1]

For the union, for our country against tyranny 🇺🇸 down with the confederacy

[@mariopensotti1015]

@@NarnianQueen89 Freed southern Black men fighting to keep slavery? Theres no honor in that

[@QuinnJACKSON-zx1dx]

Beautiful words man, beautiful.

[@josephrichardson3910]

That moment Trip helped Thomas from falling out shows how far their relationship has come since they started. No words. Just Trip making sure he is ok.

[@TonyPerez816]

Broderick puts on an absolute clinic in this film. You can feel his juxtaposed emotions with every look, every breath. On one hand, he knows in his heart of hearts that he will not return. He drinks in his last solo moments looking out over the ocean and tries to enjoy them. You can see feel his sadness in dismissing his horse for the final time, knowing he is now on his own with no way of getting out fast. You can feel the simultaneous pride in the men he trained, and the almost fatherly look of love he gives them, while also feeling the equal and opposite level of sorrow he is trying to internalize knowing that they too are marching to their own demise. This combined with James Horner's magnificent score send me straight in to emotional chaos internally, similarly feeling pride and sorrow for the men depicted in the film. As always, there are some Hollywood liberties taken with this story, but as a historian and teacher, it is my opinion that if there is a finer piece of American history-based cinema, I have not yet seen it. And I've seen just about everything.

[@giancarlogarcia9108]

amazing acting.

[@brutusbarnabus8098]

@Tony Perez - Dances with Wolves ranks right up there. Not a lot of over-dramatization in that classic. Just a good story told.

[@rowancoggins9638]

Mate, you are bloody spot on... I could not agree more

[@bradsexton2315]

Brilliantly put.

[@downhomesunset]

The imagery the following morning when they show the dead horse on the beach. To me, it symbolized the “death” of the 54th…..

[@christopherleeper2717]

This movie is the greatest civil war movie of all time. My great grandfather served proudly with the 54th in hopes of changing the world. Everything that this movie portrays is very accurate including this scene.

[@rudolphwatson1737]

May your great- grandfather and all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives in all the wars this country was engaged in . May God rest thier souls! I salute them freedom isn't free! From a proud Vietnam era Vet and Proud American Legionnaire!

[@SpeakMusic25]

🎗️💜🎖️thankyou

[@rudolphwatson1737]

@@SpeakMusic25 Yw God bless you and yours!😊🙏

[@user-nb5yj2of5q]

Maybe your great, great grandfather?

[@christopherleeper2717]

Her Brother

[@QuinnJACKSON-zx1dx]

This movie has massive subtleties....like at 2:55, when Shaw slowly looks at the regiment knowing that "these are the men I will die with and I am honored".

[@alexanderwinn9407]

I read that as "massive subtitles" and I spent a few seconds wondering if it was a font issue...

[@QuinnJACKSON-zx1dx]

@@alexanderwinn9407 They do look similar.

[@johngilmore697]

Absolutely nothing subtle about this film

[@mannyramirez3115]

Rest in Peace, Paradise, & Power Andre Braugher 🙏

[@captainamerica6525]

Colonel Shaw and his 54th belong to us. They are the soul of a great nation.

[@darbyheavey406]

I agree. ANTIFA rioters defaced the monument to these brave Americans in Boston.

[@empirikal09]

Lol the idiot volunteered for an assault that wasn't even necessary at that point, wasting his men's lives on the process.

[@casmatt99]

​@@darbyheavey406 and Republicans defaced American dignity by elevating a con man to the presidency

[@InternalLocuss]

@@darbyheavey406 Same can be said for the conservative politicians and voters who deface the actions of these men and every man who fought for our country by honoring confederate flags and monuments dedicated to confederate generals. The confederates were traitors who wanted to destroy our nation and we must not forget that.

[@neinnein9306]

As a German I can feel both, the Blue and the Grey ones. We also had our civil wars. Brother wars. What a waste.

[@Dave-ti2ue]

I remember Shelby Foote saying on the Burns documentary that Shaw's father was proud to have him buried with those men. Powerful stuff!

[@maxschaffels2164]

Robert Shaw's body was intentionally interred in a mass grave amongst his soldiers as the Confederates could apparently imagine no greater dishonour (having already refused to return his body to the Union Army and having stripped and robbed his corpse before burial...). Confederate General Johnson Hagood specifically stated he would have returned his body, like he did the bodies of the other white Union officers, had Shaw not been in command of an all-black regiment (and a known abolitionist). After hearing of these despicable acts, which were absolutely intended as a final insult, Frank Shaw wrote to the regimental surgeon Lincoln Stone that: "We would not have his body removed from where it lies surrounded by his brave and devoted soldiers. ... We can imagine no holier place than that in which he lies, among his brave and devoted followers, nor wish for him better company. - what a body-guard he has!" It is very hard indeed to overstate the signficance of this sentiment, or the family's progressive values during this time.

[@okapmeinkap7311]

Which is deeply personal, and painful

[@downhomesunset]

Shaw was reburied in Boston

[@maxschaffels2164]

@@downhomesunset He was reburied at Beaufort in S. Carolina, and was reinterred with all of the remains from the original grave pit. The most famous monument to him & the regiment is in Boston however.

[@okapmeinkap7311]

@@downhomesunset O Captain! Mein Captain!

[@DonaldWMeyers-dwm]

As an act of contempt, Shaw's body was thrown into a mass gave with his men's (the rules of war require an officer to be buried with honor appropriate to the deceased's ran). When the Union finally took the fort, they offered to recover Shaw's body, but his parents said that was not necessary. They said sharing his grave with the men he led in battle was the greatest honor he could receive.

[@Kingnome]

Rest In Glory Andre Keith Braugher. July 1, 1962 - December 11, 2023

[@erics362]

Awesome actor and an incredible man.

[@REB4444]

1:46 Shaw knew he was going to die that day. You can see it in his face. He knew in order to lead green troops like his he would have to lead by example from the front to inspire them and would probably die. He was taking a moment to enjoy a few of the beautiful things in life one more time staring at the ocean & the birds. Knowing you are going to die and still summoning strength is what courage is.

[@jameshetu6885]

Of course he knew, it was in the script...

[@Rikalonius]

I read the book, Blue Eyed Child of Fortune, for a History class in college. It was a collection of Robert's letters, along with some letters from his family. One letter was from his sister, the youngest, who was about 16. She said as they marched through Boston she could see him from above, their eyes met and she said it was if she saw an angel, and she wrote that she knew she would never see him again.

[@anngarth]

​@@Rikaloniusouch, that's incredibly bittersweet.

[@seyumaiayami3536]

​@@jameshetu6885brah, it's literally a true story. Idiot.

[@chadfife3265]

I was thinking about that. Looking at such natural beauty would almost make you want to quit the war. But if he did that, if he walked away... then someone would have to take his place...die in his place. So by stepping forward.. He was accepting death, so that a stranger might live

[@cathiker]

I’ve watched this movie too many times to count since middle school. Years ago I watched this with my then girlfriend/now wife. It was her first time seeing it. She pointed out something I’d never noticed but makes so much sense: there is no romantic interest/love story line. Just brave soldiers from varied backgrounds thrown into such horrendous circumstances, and how they rely on one another to try to make it through. This is a cinematic masterpiece. I can’t wait to watch this with my son soon. One of my all time favorite movies.

[@okapmeinkap7311]

Daughter? Some day? Either. Congrats.

[@oculosprudentium8486]

And in the end, though they got a terrible beating from that battle, but their sacrifice rallied the free black men to join up in massive hordes, which in turned turned the tide of the war! The 54Th Mass, covered themselves in glory!

[@Brianfightingmad]

A few months before the attack on fort Wagner Shaw got married. His wife was was a distant cousin of mine.

[@moozillamoo2109]

@@Brianfightingmad That's just even sadder.

[@reaper411b]

Hamburger Hill is similar.

[@peterdrouynsurfing]

This particular scene is the best I've ever witnessed. Matthew Broderick sitting on his horse looking out to sea goes through a period mental emotion varying from fear to pride to sadness to a short life to being free, a complete flow of natural expressions that is absolutely brilliant. What an amazing man. Then picks himself up slaps his horse away and gets on with his leadership determination. Congratulations Mathew Broderick no academy award could represent properly your very human experience as you made it. I advise movie fans to watch it several times to experience human nature at its best.

[@8301TheJMan]

No matter how many times i watch this film, but the line "I'll see you in the fort Thomas" absolutely wrecks me. It's legit of the saddest and most tragic bits of dialogue in film history, and makes me ball my eyes out every time. Due to the context in which it's spoken, the score, and how brilliantly it was delivered. It's actually even more sad after you've seen this film already, because you know ahead of time that Shaw doesn't even make to the fort - which is why it's even more tragic than it already was without any knowledge of what's to come.

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

"The Fort" meant something entirely different. Consider it again. Reflection is key. 🐲✨🐲✨🐲✨

[@MIchael-li7mq]

even though they had their differences and despite him being ridiculed at time by Tripp i admire and respect how he saw Thomas stumble and he caught him before he fell, looked him in the eyes while patting him on the shoulder definitely powerful scene between the two without any words being spoken. Thomas may have been well educated and spoke very fluently while Tripp may not have had the best upbringing

[@coporal4]

Thomas saved Tripp from being killed at Morris Island so of course a bond was finally formed. Tripp finally respected him as a fighting trooper like him. Especially after Morgan Freeman slapped him and gave him the read.

[@kevinpiacente3456]

First civil war movie I ever watched. Had to get my parents permission to watch it as extra credit in the 7th grade. 20 years later I got to thank my 7th grade teacher for getting me interested in history esp the Civil War

[@User-sb6er]

Same

[@Ukraineaissance2014]

How old is 7th grade? They used to show us crazy stuff at school, schindlers list, saving private ryan. I think the first boobs i ever saw was when watching Witness at school as an 8 year old

[@kevinpiacente3456]

@Ukraineaissance like 12 years old

[@leoperidot482]

Most of us watched unrealistic civil war movies. You'll see Hollywood trying to make the confederates more sympathetic, and unions as heartless thugs.

[@Kitchdmn3]

01:06 I always loved that Tripp and Thomas came to a resolution after Thomas saved Tripp’s life in the first battle.

[@QuinnJACKSON-zx1dx]

At 2:54, Shaw looks over his men knowing that these are the men he will die with on this last day. Such a subtle yet powerful scene. Well done, well done.

[@StormLaker]

This movie was so good in its time. My dad and I went to see it in the theater, I was 16 at the time. One of Denzel Washington's best roles, this really highlighted Matthew Broderick's tallents to us who saw him as Ferris Beuller, and set a precident for Morgan Freeman for those of us who grew up watching him as kids on "The Electric Company" on PBS. SO many good supporting actors in this movie.

[@jamesknowles658]

Andre Braugher... RIP

[@Glum1964]

Letting Gould know that he was correct in his toughness, and assuaging him for the blame of their upcoming deaths, was the most humanizing part of this movie. RIP, Andre Braugher. 🙏🏼🇺🇸 “Give em Hell, 54th!”

[@jonnie106]

Also powerful was that short line, “Give em Hell, 54th!” given by the insulting corporal who talks back to SgtMaj Rawlins. From the opening scene up until James Island EVERYONE (excluding Gov. Andrew, Frederick Douglass and Shaw's father) ridiculed and insulted the 54th.That one line gives the 54th Vols. one of the things it wanted most: to be seen as soldiers, as equals...as MEN by their white detractors. Segregation would remain in the United States Army for another 85 years. During that time black soldiers would distinguish themselves in every military conflict, schooling each generation of insulting corporals until there are too few to maintain the nonsense. Pres Truman ends segregation in the US military.

[@andrewmontgomery8428]

My family fought in the confederacy and no scene brings me to tears more than this one. If I could go back in time and fight alongside these men, I’d do it in a heartbeat.

[@masonpyle5929]

So did mine. Even though I disagree with what my confederate ancestors did, I learned to live with it.

[@Brianfightingmad]

Robert E Lee and Longstreet were distant cousins of mine. Not sure how I feel about that. I had a cousin from the 8th ohio cavalry imprisoned at Libby. My gg grandmother's 2nd husband was with the 66th ohio at gettysburg/ culps hill. My 2nd great uncle ( ohio 56th) shot on may 18, 1863 at Vicksburg. Shot in leg / knee area . Unsure of where exactly. Some papers say something different. Survived. His brother, My gg grandfather he didn't fair so well after serving. In and out of the mental asylum.

[@johnmartin2309]

@@Brianfightingmadyou should be proud of your family history. Robert E. Lee never owned any slaves in fact he opposed both secession and slavery. The only reason why he turned down the command of the Union Army is because he refused to invade his home.

[@jonathanlowenthal5758]

@@johnmartin2309 Robert E Lee was a slave owner.

[@Brianfightingmad]

@@johnmartin2309 he inherited slaves and refused to set them free per stipulations in will.

[@Reaction_60]

Every scene in this film is moving in one way or another. The fact that this and the subsequent battle scenes follow the night of prayer is overwhelmingly significant. As Christ had shed His blood for our spiritual freedom from death and sin, so also did these men shed their blood for our freedom from oppression. As Col. Shaw looked out across the Atlantic, much as Moses did upon the Red Sea, these brave men knew that the other side was ready, awaiting their arrival. May we, unworthy of either Christ's or the 54th's sacrifice, join them forever in eternal joy and thankfulness to the One Who is Faithful and True.

[@tc1718]

"I will" sends shivers down my spine every time.

[@rowancoggins9638]

It does mate

[@AngelTechno]

Powerful character development on Thomas.

[@stevejamieson8468]

That moment @ 1:09 where Trip put his hand on Thomas's shoulder let everyone know that he gained respect for Thomas and they were in it together.

[@handsomeX]

Exactly 🎯💯

[@jamiesmith760]

I just watched this again yesterday. Hadn’t seen it for some time. The conversation Colonel Shaw had with Trip at the water was what changed everything. He knew those men had nothing to return to if they lived but if they died they’d die heroes. That’s why he volunteered them for this mission. The fact he would give up the sweet life in Boston waiting for him to certainly die with his men is incredible.

[@michaelandrew8493]

Everyone should watch this movie. One of the best of all time.

[@nickkenney9357]

I don't know what they study in HS these days, but this movie should be required viewing for every class in American history.

[@Pccpy]

@@nickkenney9357 We watched this in Language Arts class in HS in 1996. I love this movie, lots of meaningful scene.

[@leoperidot482]

Ha, good luck in Florida and Texas.

[@vileproductions8511]

the initial clip of shaw approaching pierce and jokingly saying it’s gonna be quite a show , and then sincerely asks him to deliver his letter to his family is a very moving scene . Pierce stepping down to come closer shows that shaw was asking something sincere of him , and pierce knew right there that shaw didn’t plan on making out out of the wagner siege, you can tell the media didn’t know about the causalities the first wave would incur , the actor playing pierce did a great job showing a slight face of confusion at the end of there conversation .

[@tonyhill1264]

He knew he would be dead in hours, stares at the sea and birds for the last time.... Brilliant scene.

[@kmterpin]

Sending his horse off, Shaw knows this is his last day on earth... Before a battle, birds seen flying to the left is a bad omen. Shaw notices sea birds flying left. He turns around & sees more birds headed left. Thus a noble sadness briefly overcomes him... for he will miss life. He lets the horse go... In the 1st scene in “Gladiator” before their battle, Maximus notices a lone bird on a reed which then flies off to the right. And Maximus smiles knowing that’s a sign they will win.

[@twlowe19]

Great picture, and brings you to tears. IT was hard to explain to a good friend why they volunteered. Throughout history, all peoples who had struggled to become free paid a high price for it, they knew it was up to them and if they went that nobody could argue they didn't earn their place. Unbelievably powerful stuff.

[@okapmeinkap7311]

Thank you. And thank you for those who served, on both sides. Because without this story of struggle of national identity i.e., someone had to be the antagonist, there would have been no true United States, at least not one that values the sanctity of life, as liberty itself.

[@howardjolley2215]

They joined for many reasons. Many joined for the chance to do their duty for their country and as coloured men. Others were swept up by chance to join an all black battalion. Some were probably joining up for the chance to be paid and have three hots and a cot, so to speak. In the end, why they volunteered made no difference, they fought for each other.

[@joefran619]

He stops and looks over the ocean. The waves crashing in, the birds flying free. Had me shed a couple tears. He knew, it was the last time seeing the World.

[@AnvilMAn603]

i think alot of people underestimate how big your balls have to be to be the flagbearer on an civil war battlefield

[@paulbutler8037]

I think a lot of people underestimate how big your balls have to be to run into shot and shell....christ...I don't know if I could.but yes...to carry the colours is to draw the attention of every gun.

[@mikekinsella2822]

@@paulbutler8037 omaha beach

[@CheesyOrteezy]

Enemy bullet magnet

[@scottishhellcat]

Amen to that. Flag bearers were targets.

[@rowancoggins9638]

Agreed. Its virtually a guaranteed death or wound unless god himself directly stands in front of you.

[@Boygonebad]

I really love the reporter character in this movie. He was always so supportive of the 54th and the respect he shows Shaw. Love their interaction here.

[@perfesser944]

If not the greatest, one of the greatest movies ever made about the Civil War. For a moment there, Matthew, Morgan, Denzel, Andre and all the others became those men who reached Valhalla in the slopes of Fort Wagner.

[@leoperidot482]

The least greatest.... THE BIRTH OF A NATION. GODS AND GENERALS. THE HORSE SOLDIERS. THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES. SANTE FE TRAIL. THEY DIED WITH THEI BOOTS ON.

[@jjahsepuyeshd]

I cried for several years every time I saw this movie at the end. I still think, and arguably, of all the absolute incredible performances in this from EVERYBODY....Morgan Freeman was the best.

[@mikesuggs1642]

This comes as close to real civil war combat and experience as we can get too today. The soundtrack, the feeling, the immense tragedy of both sides killing each other. It's all here in its Glory. The later movies Gettysburg and Gods and Generals do not compare and fall far short of this Masterpiece.

[@Quillons1]

To say that Gettysburg doesn't "compare and falls far short" is a ridiculous statement. The defense of Little Round Top in Gettysburg is every bit as powerful as this scene, if not more. Most of the commenters here are putting this movie on a pedestal because of the social message it stands for. You can have 2 masterpieces, and one of them can actually have White heroes in it without diminishing what these men did. Remember, the men that fought here, brave as they were, ultimately had no effect on the outcome or the result of the war. I'm not taking away from their sacrifice or their bravery. But Col. Chamberlain, on Little Round Top turned the tide of the Battle at Gettysburg and ultimately made one of the biggest impacts on the outcome of the war. And Gettysburg captured that moment as if we were standing right there. The only thing we didn't get from that movie was the smell of the gunpowder.

[@mikesuggs1642]

@@Quillons1 I would disagree totally that the filming on Little Round Top captured “that moment”. Go back and watch it and what you see is Union troops slaughtering oncoming Confederate troops in mass. They fail to show the Confederate side of the action or the leaders of the Alabama & Texas Regiments that had been victorious in the hours leading up to Chamberlain’s stand on round top! Chamberlain did not save the Union Army by what happened on Round Top! Actually Robert E Lee saved the Union Army by his nonsensical and foolish decisions on Day 3!

[@laserprop]

As the colonel rides along the shore, he's remembering the happy summers of his childhood, playing on the beach and in the ocean at Shaw Island. He's thinking about all that he has to live for, how young he really is, and how he's probably going to die soon. What a magnificent, magnificent movie. A work of genius.

[@tonyhill1264]

What it means to be an American, being a part of something bigger than yourself and defending it with honor and conviction.

[@tonyhill1264]

I just realized in the entirety of this movie, this is the only time you see Shaw show real fear of what he was going into . God bless America!!!👍

[@georgegaylord]

I was a extra when this scene was filmed. It was one of the most dramatic things I have ever witnessed and was the highlight of my film and reenacting carrier . Glory is still , and no offense to Gettysburg, the best made Civil War film by far. What a great experience!

[@davidallbaugh6858]

I was there too as an extra. I am in the scene where the white troops are cheering the 54th. I was a Civil War re-enacter for more than twenty years as a member of Co.B, 3rd US Infantry. Were you a Civil War re-enacter as well?

[@Stormchoirs]

Colonel Robert Shaw was a great man. No one with any sense can doubt that.

[@jameshammers5239]

I AM A BIG BAD ASS BIKER...ALMOST 70 YEARS OLD, SEEN A LOT OF FIGHTING, I AM A PROUD SOUTHERN MAN WHO WOULD STILL FIGHT FOR THE SOUTH.. I DONT BELIEVE IN SLAVERY, I AM ONLY ALIVE BECAUSE A BLACK U.S. MARINE TOOK A BULLET FOR MY DAD, DURING THE KOREAN WAR.......FROM HIS LIPS TO MY HEARS........THAT IS THE GODS TRUTH,.......YET........THIS IS THE MOST EPIC BATTLE SCENE EVER... AND MOST OF YOU WHO HAVE SEEN THIS MOVIE, WOULD AGREE WITH ME......... I HAS BROUGHT ME TO TEARS,...........BRAVE MEN WHO WOULD FIGHT AND DIE ON EITHER SIDE........BECAUSE THEY BELIEVED WHAT THEY WERE FIGHTING FOR... MAY THE ALMIGHTY GOD ,...JESUS, ....ALWAYS GIVE OUR COUNTRY SUCH MEN.......

[@zombiemom6701]

My northern roots go back to 1630 when the first members of my family stepped on American soil. I have union ancestors, one who was killed at Gettysburg. Imagine my surprise to learn I have two confederate ancestors as well. It truly was a war of brother against brother. That’s why civil war movies affect me so deeply. This one is the best, imo.

[@laurencedavighi1307]

Broderick had some great moments in Glory. I love the actor's attention to detail at the 0.20-0.24 mark when handing over the letters to the reporter - the hands shake and the voice quivers. His depiction of Shaw as being deeply anxious, unsettled and frightened about what is about to happen is very authentic. Whilst the Oscar deservedly went to Washington's portrayal of Trip, I do feel Broderick's Shaw is an underrated performance.

[@jessejohnson159]

For men and women to be proud to serve the ideals of 'America', in spite of the hatred of their being in America, is a great testament of the idea that the founders had, even though some of them also had slaves in their control and servitude. I salute them all, past and present! 💖💖

[@Beorthere]

Rest in peace Robert Gould Shaw, a true American hero, along with every single one of his courageous men. GOD DAMN THE SOUTH!

[@BigLisaFan]

The south didn’t want a war any more than the north did. When they fired on Fort Sumpter, it forced the north’s hand and ultimately their downfall.

[@johnmartin2309]

Why god damn the south? You do realize the north had slaves also right? In fact Abraham Lincoln himself said that slavery alone wasn’t enough to go to war over and that if he could preserve the union and still keep slavery he’d do so. I live in the south and it’s a great place. The people have manners and are polite. I’ve been up north where people are down right rude and impolite.

[@jeffreyjackson5229]

Courage is not the absence of fear, but doing it anyway even though you are afraid. My experiences have shown me that it's just the first few milliseconds. After that, at least with me, my empties itself, and I become one with whatever is going on at the moment, and training, instincts, and reflectes take over.

[@gary0044187]

he calls the young boys men while giving them a way out. it's a good touch.

[@leemc4093]

This is by far the best film, I've ever seen, Mathew Broderick plays his finest role in this film Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman also play amazing roles in this film the film score is absolutely beautiful and haunting at the same time I'm no history teacher, I do believe it is a very historical accurate film..

[@haynes1776]

My late uncle, Bill Bradley, his great great grandfather, Isom Ampey, served in the 54th Massachusetts and fought at the 2nd battle of Fort Wagner. He also had a brother named Thomas Ampey who also served in the regiment and carried the regimental colors. Thomas was killed as the 54th breached the Fort's walls. Sgt Carney carried the flag from Thomas's dying hands and despite being wounded many times, managed to bring the flag back to union lines and said "The flag never touched the ground". Sgt Carney was the first African American to receive the Congressional medal of honor. My uncle also was a re-enactor in Glory. My uncle also served in the U.S. army and won a battlefield commission in Vietnam during the Teh offensive. My Uncle's great great grandfather's service in the civil war is the reason I'm into The War's history. "GIVE THEM HELL, 54TH"!!!!!🙏❤️🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@TPFB129]

You have a blessed ancestry, God speed and protection upon you and your family.

[@haynes1776]

@TPFB129 Thank you. I would love to tell my uncle's great great grandfather's story

[@dannettejackson202]

May the brave and honorable men of the 54th rest in peace!!😞😓😥🫡

[@micheley2140]

I cry. I can’t even say Glory without crying

[@Katracho-ot3uk]

“No shame son” 😢

[@willusa4167]

I love that Shaw never has a big "I am so proud of you men" speech. You can tell he feels that way, and they know it, but he never has to say it.

[@handsomeX]

Totally agree.

[@thisisajang]

There are reasons why this movie, alongside with Gettysburg, are considered to be the best movies about American Civil War.

[@JLange642]

Such an awesome movie that didn't get the recognition it deserved when released. Thank God it has since been recognized for the fabulous film it is!

[@christinewhittington6594]

A truly moving film, beautiful music, I am not american I am English, but I love this film so much, I try to study american history, the war of independence, the civil war, truly inspiring to me, we English thought we could rule the world, u proved us wrong, oh yes!

[@BritneyStinson]

tears me up every time, the whole story. and the story telling in this scene. The music and Shaw looking out over the ocean pondering. Idk about yall, i reckon a lot of yall do too tho, but i always think what would i be thinking and feeling in that moment. no cgi or modern stuff that i grew up on, but this movie didnt need it. it evokes a million emotions and feelings every time i watch it

[@krisandnancyboucher1277]

“Give ‘em Hell, 54th Massachusetts!”

[@garbagi0]

I think the horse running away symbolizes Shaws life leaving him. He kind of knew it too, but as he said earlier in the film he owed his men his life if necessary, They lost the battle, and he died however he died a true leader.

[@W00KER]

Those moments where he's looking out at the sea... Reminds me of those times in my own life when locked in to do something but wanted to run away from it. All my choices lead me to this moment, and now that it's here I'd give anything to be somewhere else.

[@tonyhill1264]

Imagine how you would feel being 23 years old and knowing in 6 hours you will be dead. You see not the fear in his eyes but resolve to end this like a man. Brilliant.

[@genxer1]

This movie had the most beautiful soundtrack.

[@QuinnJACKSON-zx1dx]

I think it won a Grammy.

[@handsomeX]

It's hauntingly beautiful.

[@maulrat588]

Beautiful scene. A universal warrior experience knowing you are likely to die and appreciating the last moments and seeing life around you. The fear washes over his face and like any other field grade, he steels himself and does his duty. Great Broderick moment.

[@Magni_Prime]

I love that he approached his position through his men. Not aside them. Not over them. He was their brother, and treated them with reverence and respect.

[@regularguyprepper]

Such a powerful scene. Me. Essentially knowing they're going off to their doom, and doing so while inspired and full of class, grace. Once you see Broderick dismiss the young drummers and bugle boys to the rear to save them from being slaughtered, and him release his horse you know it's on. Straight up goose bumps trying to imagine what would be going through my mind to be there.

[@HandGrenadeDivision]

Elwes is the one that dismisses them, but that was routine. Musicians/field music were usually employed in support roles during major attacks.

[@yeahno6100]

Yeah? Try watching the film Gallipoli (1981) and watch the "charge at the nek" scene. Try and feel what it was like for those guys, a lot of them were under the age of 21.

[@justindixon9762]

Rather you are black or white , from the north or south we should all be proud of these men union soldiers and confederate. Im black and white my mothers side actually served in the confederate army . These men built America . Give em Hell 54th !!

[@williamkelly6319]

My ancestors fought for the Confederacy. But it was only because they landed in the south and that's just the way it was. I don't know exactly what they thought about slavery or any of the issues that the war was brought. But I can't tell you this. The union was right and slavery is evil and God blessed 54th!

[@mrmaster9801]

I first watched it back when I was a kid and it has always been one of my favourite war movies. Not being American, it also shed some light on their history.

[@jirkazalabak1514]

While it certainly was heroic, their sacrifice was largely in vain. Not only did they not take the fort, but they didn´t really achieve much politically, either. After the war, things looked good for a time, but after Lincoln was assassinated, his vice-president (a Southener himself) refused to pursue Reconstruction to it´s conclusion. Gradually, most of the rights black people had won during the Civil War were stripped away, and they were made second-class citizens again. In the South, they remained that way until the 1940s, and did not achieve full civil right until the 1960s.

[@jjahsepuyeshd]

@@jirkazalabak1514 2nd class citizens is allot different then being a slave. Furthermore you are generalizing the south versus the country. You are also unaware of the intervention of government forces in the south in the late 19th century to clean up the worst of the KKK issues. It came back in 1915-21, and then was when allot of blacks went north..like to cincinnati Ohio, where theysettled the west side. This part of history is soooo distorted and warped for political puropses. However, yes the USA's total failure at reconstruction brought poverty and misery to all the south, white and black. Those who say the war was not fought over slavery? The southerners sure took it out on the blacks down there after the war. Not only was their economy destroyed, their cities, towns and farms destroyed, but 1 in 4 southern men 18-38 that fought in the war died. If you count maimed (lost arms or legs), its 1 in 3..................... A real screw up kinda like the treaty of versail after WW1.

[@jirkazalabak1514]

@@jjahsepuyeshd It wasn´t all that different in practice. In many cases, black people ended up working at the exact same plantations they used to work as slaves. Most of them were not educated and had no other marketable skills, so they had no other choice. The labor laws back then were not exactly strict, so their contracts often included provisions like being unable to leave the grounds, being chained up at night, or agreeing to call their employer "Sir" at all times. Basically slaves without slavery. And that´s not even getting into Neo-slavery, where (mainly) black people were locked up, often for no reason, and forced to work to pay for their own imprisonment by, you guessed it, slave labor. And because the state now provided cheap labor, as opposed to expensive slaves, these convicts were often treated worse by their employers than their enslaved ancestors by their masters. The South was the primary offender, but things like job and housing discrimination, as well as general racism, existed even in the North. Even as late as the 1940s, black soldiers in the US armed forces were treated as little more than animals by many of their white officers. Most black people were also excluded from the New Deal thanks to redlining, which declared most black neighborhoods not eligible to receive any of the cheap loans provided to the rest of the population.

[@brendonthomas2555]

This scene cuts right to the bone..Gets me every time...Extremely powerful cinematography...

[@TheFruitofTruth]

2:12 Some say that Horse went on to become the greatest soldier, some say it charged the lines of Fort Wagner and took the fort all on its own. Some say he captured John Wilkes booth… some say he went on to write Shawshank Redemption

[@donkeyears4704]

interesting personal note and a very significant historical note that was not included in the movie. i was in high school when this movie came out. my mother and i watched the vhs copy and immediately when it ended it switched over to our cable channels, which so happened to be airing the ken burn's civil war documentary and it was the exact part dealing with this story. we couldn't believe how accurate this movie was to the history of the 54th and mathew broderick was a near identical look to the actual man. the historical note not mentioned in the movie is that two of frederick douglass's sons served in the 54th, lewis and charles. charles was unable to continue with the 54th due to poor health, but his brother lewis did and fought in and survived the assault on fort wagner. truly an amazing story and a great movie that does them justice.

[@matthewbesson5367]

1:08 how that man steadys his buddy made me cry a bit. Like saying I will die for you out there just like I know you will die for me.

[@okapmeinkap7311]

easy Matt, first off let's all party like 19-99❗

[@jackzimmer6553]

Pieced together with this movie back together in the early nineties was a visit to see Ken Burns appear at Memorial Hall in Dayton, a read of the Killer Angels and a side trip to Gettysburg with my wife. A few years later came the release of the Gettysburg movie. A wonderful time to be alive (for a Civil war buff!)

[@bertcert991]

The greatest and most moving film about war ever made I always seem to get something in my eyes every time I watch it

[@travismelton3255]

A great movie for sure. One of countless things most folks don't know about this war is just how brutal and personal the fighting was. There are countless cases of hand to hand fighting during major battles on a large scale. Most of the times both sides suffered almost the same amount of casualties, regardless of the winner or loser. During one battle CSA troops resorted to throwing rocks after running out of ammo. Ironically, as in almost any war, it show cased the best and worst qualities of human nature.

[@Swlabr61]

The real Robert Gould Shaw had a premonition that he was going to die. I suppose that is represented by the scene here where Matthew Broderick's Shaw is on his horse sadly staring out to sea, knowing he will never see things like the ocean and birds again. He was also married, which was left out of the movie.

[@historyhoarder634]

Shaw had a premonition of his death the day before the assault. In the movie, Shaw gives Edward Pierce (a reporter from the New York Tribune) a packet of letters right before the battle. In reality, Shaw gave Pierce his letters and personal papers the night before.

[@rowancoggins9638]

I am not so sure it was a premonition, more of a realization... the formation was always going to be stalled at the fort walls... virtually impossible to not be... to rally them and to move forward would always draw unsustainable levels of personal fire... always. It was pure and sheer logic, not precognition that, I feel personally, he carried the burden of. Though your point is very valid. Much respect to you.

[@kempaku982]

​@@historyhoarder634was the reporter a personal friend?

[@marknewton6984]

Shaw was an amateur who sacrificed black lives.

[@kempaku982]

@@marknewton6984 He sacrificed himself for black lives.

[@porkshank9]

Such an emotional movie. I watched it in middle school. Seeing these clips is also a rare glimpse into my own past remembering how it made me feel as a young boy. Feelings you don’t feel as a older man. Without the innocence of youth in a way. Seeing this clip gave me a tiny glimpse of that memory. Edit -> Maybe it should be played in schools still for this reason. I need to watch it again one more time.

[@johnbertrand7185]

Excellent movie, treats the subject matter with the respect it deserves. And as a history teacher, it gets most of that right too. One complaint about this scene, Battery/Fort Wagner is on the northern tip of Morris Island and the 54th charged from the south so the ocean should be on their right hand side.

[@rowancoggins9638]

well spotted sir

[@krisandnancyboucher1277]

In making the movie they could not use that approach, because too many modern-day structures would have been in the background. At least that’s what I’ve read.

[@robertdonadee9860]

In my humble opinion one of the most powerful, moving films I've ever experienced

[@tonyhill1264]

This final battle breaks my heart. Shaw new he was going to die and looks at the water and birds for the last time. This is Men coming together to save America...😊

[@ApostleRashad]

This movie is a tearjerker in so many ways

[@James-lu4hb]

I always get emotional when he looks at the sea for the last time powerful scene.

[@dougm5341]

Loved the movie, and the musical score is masterful. I still play it all these years later. I can forgive the factual inaccuracies such as in this scene, where they attack the wrong way. The actual attack was from right to left, not left to right.

[@billyedwards6941]

This is a real emotional part of the film , men standing firm to do their duty , brilliant

[@steveberlack]

I saw this movie in the theater while a member of the Army in Hawaii. I've seen it numerous times since, and not once with a dry eye.

[@Jordanmode]

When Thomas struggles to stay standing is gut-wrenching. He went from being the softest in the unit, to marching into battle having been shot just two days before. He knew he wouldn’t survive this, but he wanted to fight, and then he volunteered to, essentially, draw more fire to himself by taking up the flag. Then he charged in screaming, and fighting like an absolute badass. That was a hell of an arc.

[@rokiahmuhd1692]

Their may be fallen but their deed shall be remember and inspiring the next generation until end of time Hurra 54th Massachusetts

[@KreighHook]

Pretty emotional moment when broderick is looking at the ocean. Its like hes looking at a thing of beauty and imo. Its like hes looking to the heavens accepting his fate and hoping god is looking over his men and himself.

[@davidmurray5399]

The ocean was on the right flank of the assaulting columns during the actual attack, the 54th was one of three regiments that were in the first wave of the attack. The assault was launched from much further away than depicted in the film, though the abatis and wet ditch are shown as they most likely disrupted the assault columns. It was a failure, as so many attacks were during the war; though not as costly and forlorn as the boat attack on Fort Sumter.

[@mdon718]

I saw this movie as a child. The acting and music always moved me. I tried visiting Fort Wagner, but unfortunately, it is no longer there, and the location itself is inaccessible. However, you can visit Fort Sumter, which has its own historical value as the site where the Civil War officially started. Col Shaw's sword was recovered and is now on display in Massachusetts. Salute to the 54th.

[@ericericson3535]

I was at the Massachusetts State House when representatives from South Carolina returned the Regimental and National ensigns of the 54th. Governor John Andrew, who authorized the forming of the regiment, graduated from my prep school, a few years earlier though, LOL!

[@pmsfar-outgrooviness8025]

I thought Sgt. Carney won the Medal of Honor for bringing the National colors back

[@ericericson3535]

@@pmsfar-outgrooviness8025 You're right, I meant to say they brought back the Massachusetts state regimental banner. My bad

[@ddvette]

Trip steadying Thomas gets me. They are now warriors ,brothers in arms for eternity.

[@chadirving3621]

This movie ignited a life long interest in the Civil War. I have visited numerous battlefield sites.

[@benmorgan6649]

the older I get the more I appreciate the message of this movie. What a brilliant and beautiful story.

[@coreymadden3650]

The musical score alone is perfection

[@Wherethehellarewegoing]

James Horner is superb. Sadly he passed away in 2015 when his light aircraft crashed. He was the only person on board

[@Jack-dr2ry]

Such a beautiful sound track to such tragedy

[@Rockhound6165]

The respect Thomas and Tripp developed for each other is fantastic. Tripp really grew as a character. Denzel earned his Oscar that's for sure.

[@pandaphil]

Whats that old saying? "Bravery is being scared to death, but doing what needs to be done anyway."