Rodrigo Jose Samodal
LDS 102
Charles Powell
February 6, 2016
Glory
The film Glory portrayed the Civil War in a different perspective than most other war films on this war. It focused primarily on the 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, the first all African American regiment, under the command of abolitionist Colonel Robert Gould Shaw. It focused on this major turning point in the course of the war, when African Americans were given the right to enlist and fight for the Union and for their own freedom. The film emphasized on the fact that the Union Army was becoming integrated and more diverse. It thoroughly portrayed the development of this regiment, from the time of formation up until the assault on Fort Wagner. It made comparisons from how these African American volunteers fought and performed on the battlefield. The film showed how important diversity can be a positive aspect of the military and how important it is.
This particular film was not very attention grabbing for the most part, but I did thoroughly enjoy the story. The characters were well portrayed and the story flowed from scene to scene. The emotions from the 54th regiment were portrayed excellently as well. I felt all the pride, joy, sorrow, fear, and determination of these men. Colonel Shaw’s personality and character was well developed throughout the plot of the movie. I liked how the plot followed all of his actions and emotions while he was raising and leading this newly formed regiment. He was very eager and felt honored to be in command of the first African American regiment, and even though he treated these men rather harshly and without mercy, he never lost his faith and his pride in his men.
Throughout the entire film, many characters outside the regiment did not share the same feeling towards the 54th as Colonel Shaw. Many other white Union Army officers and soldiers looked down upon them, as if they were below them and inferior in every way. Other regiments saw them as “children with guns” that cannot fight like the ideal soldier and will never be able to participate in actual combat. They were also treated rather unfairly, being denied adequate supplies and equipment, receiving less pay than other soldiers, and superior commanding officers wanted to use them for other purposes such as construction and manual labor. However Colonel Shaw continuous to support and fight for his men who fight for him.
Shaw and his officers who helped train and prepare the men have seen the regiment learn and grow as one. They bear witness to the sheer dedication and passion of these men to fight for their freedom. The men learn fast and train hard, and eventually catch up to the standards of the Union Army. Many others commemorate the men of the 54th, stating that they march, fight, and perform just as good, and if not better than some other regiments of white soldiers. These men inspired other African Americans to join the cause and fight for their freedom. This highlighted the differences between black and white soldiers and how they can perform just as well.
Diversity is an important aspect in almost any aspect in life. It is important for the survival of all living species. Even in the military, diversity can be very advantageous. If every soldier was identical, then their weaknesses would be as well and the entire army would be exposed and vulnerable. Every single soldier has different ideals, purposes, talents, motives, and personalities. However they all fight together, as brothers, for one cause. It is they’re differences that bring them together, as they learn and teach one another every moment they are together. Each soldier has a different outlook and opinion on the challenges that they face, and they may not agree, but their differences support each other’s strengths and cover their weaknesses. It’s not just diversity of race, but in almost every other way that makes someone unique. The men of the 54th regiment were different from one another and from the rest of the Union Army in a plethora of ways, but in the end they all fight for the same cause and for each other. And that is something that I find inspiring.
Citation
Glory. Dir. Edward Zwick. Perf. Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, Morgan Freeman. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Feb. 2016.