The movie is a story within a story. It is set during the civil war where Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, played by Matthew Broderick leads the 54th Regiment of the Volunteering Infantry: the first black regiment to be used in war. The regiment does not only fight for their country but also their respect.

The prejudice against the 54th regiment was so strong that the regiment was not allowed to fight but rather treated as slaves. They were not given uniform and proper foot wear.Colonel Robert had to fight for his soldiers and be persistent to get shoes for them.

They were even payed less wages than the the other soldiers. This enraged the black soldiers. They tore their wages up saying they’re “not going to take slave wage”. Seeing that all the soldiers tore their wages and were still ready to fight the war, Shaw tore his wage up as well. In this way he gained a lot of respect amongst his soldiers.

The regiment had to undergo a lot of obstacles to be allowed to fight in the war. However at the end, the war was worth fighting for the black. The black troops showed that they were human too and were willing to stake everything to gain their freedom and respect. The movie did not have a happy ending, however it showed the moment of glory for the black regiment.