Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Glory is the rare war film that's both historically important and genuinely well-made. It tells a story that deserves to be known—the 54th Massachusetts regiment's courage in the face of both Confederate bullets and Union racism.

But let's be clear: this is intense, R-rated viewing. The battle scenes are brutal, the flogging sequence is hard to watch, and the emotional weight of watching men fight for a country that treats them as less-than-equal is heavy. It's not entertainment in the popcorn sense—it's education that happens to be in film form.

The 1989 pacing will feel slow to kids raised on Marvel movies. There are long stretches of character development, and the film takes its time building to the climactic assault on Fort Wagner. Some modern teens will find it draggy; others will appreciate the character work.

Bottom line: If you've got a mature high schooler studying the Civil War, this is essential viewing. Just make sure they're ready for the emotional and visual intensity. And plan to talk about it afterward—this isn't a movie you just turn off and move on from.

Age Fit

This is squarely for mature teens (16+) and adults. The R-rated war violence, flogging scene, and heavy themes of racism require emotional maturity. Great for high schoolers studying Civil War history, but too intense for middle schoolers.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Models courage, sacrifice, and standing up against injustice. The 54th Massachusetts regiment's story is one of dignity and honor in the face of systemic racism. However, the intense war violence and brutal treatment of Black soldiers means this isn't light viewing—it's emotionally heavy and demands maturity to process.

Imaginative

62

Solid historical drama that brings a lesser-known Civil War story to life with strong cinematography and period detail. But it's a straightforward biographical war film—there's no creative flourish or visual innovation that makes it stand out. It tells an important story competently rather than pushing cinematic boundaries.

Safe

38

Severe violence and gore including graphic battle sequences, flogging, and war casualties. IMDb parents guide flags 'severe' for both violence and frightening scenes. Common Sense Media recommends 16+. The R-rating content is historically justified but absolutely not suitable for younger viewers—this is intense, unflinching war cinema.

Enriching

88

Exceptional historical education about the first Black volunteer regiment in the Civil War, systemic racism within the Union Army, and the courage required to fight for a country that didn't treat you as equal. Sparks crucial conversations about race, justice, sacrifice, and American history. The kind of film that stays with you and builds empathy.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Tells a crucial piece of American history that most textbooks skip—the 54th Massachusetts regiment's fight against both the Confederacy and Union Army racism
Strong performances bring dignity and humanity to a story about courage in the face of systemic injustice
95% on Rotten Tomatoes for good reason—it's historically accurate, emotionally resonant, and doesn't shy away from hard truths
Perfect for teens studying Civil War history who are ready for the unvarnished reality of that era
Sparks meaningful family conversations about racism, sacrifice, and what it means to fight for a country that doesn't treat you equally

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What to Watch For

Graphic war violence including battle casualties, a brutal flogging scene, and other intense R-rated content—this is not sanitized history
Heavy themes of racism and discrimination that require emotional maturity to process
1989 pacing feels slower than modern films—long stretches of character development before action sequences
The emotional weight is real—this isn't a feel-good movie, it's a powerful but draining watch

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Black soldiers were willing to fight for the Union even though they faced racism from their own army?"
"How did the 54th Massachusetts regiment change people's views about Black soldiers? What does that tell us about how change happens?"
"The movie shows Colonel Shaw struggling with his own prejudices even as he leads the regiment. Why is it important to see that complexity?"
"What would you have done if you were offered unequal pay for the same dangerous work? Why did the soldiers refuse the money?"

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