Glory

Directed by Edward Zwick, Glory details the less-than-smooth efforts at integrating black soldiers into the Union Army during the Civil War. It’s compelling subject matter that’s employed to somewhat uneven yet mostly entertaining effect by Zwick, and there’s little doubt, ultimately, that the picture is hindered by overlong, deliberately-paced opening and closing stretches – which ensures that the movie fares best within an episodic midsection bursting with memorable, engrossing sequences. (The best and most apt example of this being an absolutely mesmerizing sequence wherein a soldier is whipped in front of the entire company.) And while Matthew Broderick’s efforts to smoothly step into the shoes of his real-life figure are erratic, to say the least, Glory certainly benefits from the superb efforts of such top-notch periphery players as Morgan Freeman, Cary Elwes, and Andre Braugher – although it’s Denzel Washington’s often electrifying performance that elevates the proceedings on a recurring basis. By the time the protracted final battle rolls around, Glory has undoubtedly confirmed its place as a solid historical piece of work that does, in the end, feel as though it could (and should) have been streamlined.

*** out of ****