Glory

Glory is an historical drama about Robert Gould Shaw, a white New Englander moved by his abolitionist sentiments to join the Union forces in the Civil War. Promoted to colonel, he is put in charge of an experimental all-black regiment of Massachusetts volunteers. His two best friends go with him (a white officer Cary Elwis and a black professor of literature), and the rules of military life strain his friendship with both.

Among the film's strongest performances are Denzel Washington's portrayal of the tough-talking private who is whipped for desertion after leaving camp to find shoes; and Morgan Freeman, promoted to sergeant major because of his initiative in getting shoes for the poorly shod men.