Glory’s Final Battle Scene Is the Gold Standard for War Movie Tragedy

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The American Civil War has inspired numerous films, ranging from Gettysburg to The Outlaw Josey Wales, frequently showcasing the war’s harshness through the actions of brave characters. Some of these movies tell fictional stories set during the war, while others portray the experiences of historical figures who lived through it. In the 1980s, Glory, considered one of the best Civil War films ever made, was released, and it continues to be remembered for its incredibly moving and sad conclusion.

Beginning with classic films like Gone With the Wind and How the West Was Won, the Civil War has consistently inspired powerful movies. These films cover everything from the social and political problems that divided America to detailed depictions of the actual battles, highlighting a pivotal moment in the nation’s past. As filmmaking techniques evolved and directors sought a more realistic portrayal of the conflict, these movies became even more compelling. Even today, thirty-six years after its release, Glory remains a must-see for both history enthusiasts and fans of war films, thanks to its insightful look at the war, its key players, and the fundamental struggle for liberty.

The American Civil War Inspired Countless Epics

From the very beginning of Hollywood, the Civil War and the time that followed have been a source of inspiration for many stories and characters. As the most disruptive and challenging time in American history, it caused deep divisions within families, led some people to betray their country, and left parts of the nation in ruins. This period’s impact on entertainment is clear, from when Blondie and Tuco travel across a Civil War battlefield in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly to the development of characters like Jonah Hex and John Carter.

Although captivating tales can be imagined, real-life events are often the most powerful, which is why movies such as Gettysburg and Lincoln are so compelling. But these aren’t the only films that succeed by telling true stories.

As with any war, the Civil War had its courageous individuals – both men and women – who fought for the freedom of enslaved people, including formerly enslaved people who joined the Union army. Hollywood has depicted nearly every aspect of the war in films such as The Free State of Jones and Lincoln, covering battles from Gettysburg to Antietam. These films often tell powerfully emotional stories, portraying everything from the political maneuvering on both sides to the hardships faced by soldiers and civilians alike.

In 1989, Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington and Matthew Broderick starred in a powerful movie based on a truly inspiring story from the war. Glory, directed by Edward Zwick, is both a compelling historical drama and a gripping war film – it’s a movie everyone should experience, and its conclusion is remarkably moving.

Glory Explores a Crucial Chapter in Civil War History

Glory recounts the experiences of Robert Shaw, a young white Union officer, who is made a colonel after being wounded at Antietam. He’s keen to get back into fighting and takes charge of the 54th Regiment, a unit made up entirely of Black soldiers from Massachusetts. Even though the Union Army was fighting to end slavery, prejudice still existed, and Shaw and his troops quickly faced conflict with other soldiers.

Meanwhile, Shaw clashes with Private Trip, a former slave who enlisted with the Union army. Having to harshly discipline Trip damages the unit’s spirit, and Trip begins to feel bitterness towards the colonel. As they continue their journey, Shaw must also contend with the complexities of military command, facing questionable officers who prioritize personal gain and career advancement over all else.

While leading the 54th Massachusetts, Shaw insisted on a combat assignment, believing that support roles didn’t suit his unit’s skills or represent what they stood for. As he gradually gained the respect of the men, he worked to boost their spirits. This came to fruition when he and his soldiers were sent to James Island, where they successfully defended against a Confederate attack in the Battle of Grimball’s Landing. After their success, they anxiously awaited their next mission, which proved to be an assault on Fort Wagner. It was at Fort Wagner that the 54th’s destiny was determined, ensuring their place in history.

The film consistently highlights the pervasive nature of racism in the United States during the 1860s, portraying Shaw as exceptional, even among those who opposed slavery. Though fighting alongside men dedicated to emancipation, he often clashes with everyone, from his commanders to fellow soldiers and those seeking to profit from the war. When the soldiers finally receive a combat mission, it’s the first time they’re acknowledged as true soldiers, rather than simply being seen as workers. Through their bravery during the assault on Fort Wagner, they prove to the world that they possess the same courage, determination, and heroism as any other Union soldier.

Glory’s Ending Is a Bittersweet Tragedy

The latter part of Glory increasingly focuses on the regiment preparing for the Second Battle of Fort Wagner. Despite ongoing friction and low spirits among his soldiers, Colonel Shaw understands the challenges ahead as they approach the beach – both physically and in terms of the difficult fight they face. As day turns to night, the men are compelled to create defensive positions and utilize the landscape for protection. Seeing that his troops are stuck, Shaw bravely leads a solo charge into battle and is tragically shot down by Confederate forces before the eyes of the 54th.

Driven by a strong desire to honor their fallen commander, Private Trip seizes the flag, and the soldiers rush into combat. After the fighting, half of the unit had been killed, and were buried together. Shaw was among them, which the Confederacy considered a deep offense, as they believed white officers who led Black soldiers deserved a separate burial.

When the 54th Regiment fought, African American soldiers hadn’t yet been officially accepted into the Union Army, due to both prejudice and political considerations. After reports of their bravery in combat became known, the US Congress authorized the recruitment of Black soldiers, significantly increasing their numbers. This decision proved crucial in bolstering the North’s forces and ultimately securing victory in the war, as hundreds of thousands fought for their freedom and equal rights. The film illustrates this with its final scene depicting Shaw, who the Confederacy buried in a mass grave with his soldiers.

Southerners considered it disrespectful, but Shaw’s friends and family believed it honored his dedication to freeing enslaved people, highlighting the deeply flawed sense of honor and morality held by the Confederacy. For the narrative, it was a perfect symbol of the bond between the officer and his troops.

Witnessing the death of the 54th Massachusetts alongside Shaw is a profoundly moving moment in war film history. Their sacrifices deeply affect viewers, but the closing narration explains that their efforts ultimately served a larger purpose. From seeing Trip overcome his pessimism and proudly carry the flag, to understanding the Union achieved a moral victory over the Confederacy, the ending is guaranteed to evoke both tears and a sense of triumph in the audience.

I think, like many people, I really appreciate how the battle and the movie manage to turn what was a defeat into a win for the good guys, at least in the history books. It’s been over thirty years, and honestly, Hollywood hasn’t been able to top the quality of Edward Zwick’s film, no matter how hard they try! Movies like The Free State of Jones are great at bringing attention to lesser-known stories from the war, but Glory will always be the best, in my opinion.

Glory Is an Unbeaten Masterpiece

Even when you take away the Civil War setting, Glory is a truly exceptional war film. The cast delivers perfect performances, and the movie features both grand scenes and exciting battles – it’s a film you can’t look away from without missing something important. Knowing that much of the story is based on real events – like Shaw’s strong belief in ending slavery and what happened to the soldiers at the end – makes the film even more powerful.

The story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry is a significant part of American history, marking a key turning point in the fight for equal rights, acceptance, integration, and advancement. Despite numerous attempts by Hollywood to capture its importance, no movie has ever truly done it justice.

The Civil War remains a powerful source of inspiration for filmmakers, influencing everything from Westerns and science fiction to dedicated war movies. The bravery of soldiers – like the volunteers in the 54th Massachusetts Regiment and leaders like Robert Shaw – fundamentally shaped modern America. More than three decades after it first came out, Glory is still known as the most moving and heartfelt film about the Civil War, largely because of its poignant and sad conclusion.

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2025-10-05 06:48