Col. Shaw was buried with his men, because the Southern troops thought it would be an insult. When Shaw’s father heard of it, he said “We would not have his body removed from where it lies surrounded by his brave & devoted soldiers, if we could accomplish it by a word. Please to bear this in mind & also, let it be known, so that, even in case there should be an opportunity, his remains may not be disturbed.”

When asked if they wished to have their son's body taken home to Boston for burial, Shaw's parents declined. His father said, "We would not have his body removed from where it lies, surrounded by his brave and devoted soldiers. We can imagine no holier place than that in which he lies, among his brave and devoted followers, nor wish for him better company." Glory is one of my favorite war films and it doesn't get nearly enough credit as a war film.

This film was (is) a testament that "Black History " is "American History". The men of the 54th Massachusetts have passed on into legend if not immortality.

Glory changed my life. One of the greatest war movies ever made. It's practically flawless in every aspect. Emotionally draining but fulfilling.

The flogging was brutal to watch, but the defiance in Denzel’s face with the tears swelling in his eyes and the single tear streaming down his face was one of the significant peaks in the movie.

Rest in peace to actor Andre Braugher who played Thomas and just passed away a few days ago...🕊🖤

In the 8th grade, my class convinced our no nonsense history teacher to take us on a school trip to see this movie. Our only goal was to get out of school for the day. The whole class was so overwhelmed with the movie and realized how much we didn't know. It definitely changed our mindset about learning history and gave us a great appreciation for our teacher.

One factoid. One of the reasons why Mathew Broderick was chosen was because he has a near identical resemblance to the actual Col. Shaw.

The flogging scene is tough to watch but is one of the most powerful scenes in the film. The Colonel’s treatment of Thomas (need permission to speak to Commanding Officer) and his allowing the flogging to occur (punishment for deserting) was his way of treating the men as soldiers, regardless of personal connection or their history as slaves, because he knew the stakes and what the war would be like if they got involved as they all wanted. The flogging scene is powerful in that you can see how Denzel’s character is used to it and not surprised, but you can also see on the Colonel’s face that he’s not comfortable with it as well. It’s a very difficult scene to watch considering the history but is very powerful, especially when the single tear falls.

If we ever lose the ability to teach this history, this nation will truly have lost its soul. Thank you for reacting to this, one of the most important films I ever had the honor to watch.

RIP Andre Braugher. "I'll see you in the fort, Thomas."

I am a U.S. Army Officer, now retired. I fought in the Vietnam War as a 19 year old soldier. After college, I rejoined the army and commanded artillery soldiers of all backgrounds and races. This movie is a favorite of mine, as it makes clear the critical issues of our civil war and the arduous task of creating a disciplined Army unit in those times. I knew heroic soldiers, the sons of American families. I also had to inform some of the loss of their young man. Those circumstances are with me now at 73 years of age. The expressions of your heartfelt feelings does you great credit!

Something you may not have noticed is the soldier who said “give them hell 54th” was the same one that previously had the altercation with Morgan Freeman.

All the cast in this movie were phenomenal and Denzel definitely deserved that Oscar but Andre Braugher (Thomas) freakin’ killed in this! He was just f’ing sublime!

I know you didn’t show it, but the last scene of Shaw being buried with his men and his parents response was so important and so touching. All of them so very brave.

Just as a side note, the music in this film gets used a lot in trailers for other films because it's so powerful. James Horner's score is top notch. He should have been nominated for an Academy Award that year.

The flogging scene: the way Denzel Washington played it: he decided to stare down the colonel, the director was supposed to say cut, and the scene was to end after a certain amount of time. He kept rolling so the flogging continued a longer time than the actors thought. The sound kept on and on and Denzel started tearing up. And they kept going. Which made him cry . Very powerful scene. (Denzel Washington spoke of this as well as Matthew Broderick)

I have seen this movie over a hundred times. I taught US history and showed this movie whenever the Civil War came up. I cry every single f'ing time. A lot. When Denzel won an Oscar for this role, he dedicated it in his speech to the Massachusetts 54th.

One of the best movies I’ve ever seen. Col Robert Shaw was only 23 years old when placed in charge of this regiment. These soldiers demonstrated the true meaning of courage, bravery, etc., and are credited with turning the tide of the war. The soundtrack is absolutely beautiful too. I cry from the scene on the beach where Shaw lets the horse go and looks out over the water, knowing he will most likely die, all the way to the advancement on the fort. Such a powerful movie that stays with you.

I love how the arcs of characters were fulfilled throughout the film. Robert became the beloved Colonel. Trip carried the flag after he wouldn't. Major Forbes, and Sgt. Rawlins lead the regiment. Thomas mastered the defense maneuver that Sgt. Maj. Mulcahy showed him earlier, and Jupiter reloaded successfully during an attack. Amazing.

Yeah imagine the real life whiplash of seeing Matthew Broderick as Ferris Bueller one year and seeing him as a Civil War soldier the next. That is some acting range right there!

Learning our history, ALL our history, is so critical. Glory is an amazing film. So glad you two have seen it. I think everyone should see this film.

This movie came out when I was in high school and every American history class in every high school in the country was showing this movie in class. I saw it in the theater with some friends when it first came out and we were blown away. This was Denzel Washington’s breakout role and he won an Academy Award (richly deserved) for it. After that, he was gold.

My father was an officer during and after Vietnam. We saw this movie with him when it came out in the theater. This is the only movie I have ever cried during. When the men volunteer to take that Southern fort, knowing they weren't coming back, I wept. Full disclosure, my father's great grandfather fought on the wrong side in this war. I can make excuses, but we were wrong to fight to hold slaves.

This is one of my top 5 movies. My neighbor is a Civil War re-enactor and was an extra in Glory, he was one of the actors in the line of Union Soldiers who cheered on the 54th at the end of the film. I'm glad you guys finally got to see this!

This is so moving, with so many great performances. By far the best work Matthew Broderick has ever done. It's historically accurate, too.

I remember watching this in my history class in 8th grade. I will forever be grateful to that teacher who decided to show it to us, because it inspired me to do more research and I chose to write about black soldiers not only from the 54th but other regiments for my final paper. I remember breaking down at home after watching it because it is such a powerful film. I also have military family members, and my cousins are mixed. I never really got to know their mom, my aunt, because she died when I was very young, but my cousin Anthony went on to serve in the military and he is still serving to this day. I am so proud of him and the other members in my family who have served over the years. There are civil war veterans buried in an old churchyard just up my road where other ancestors from my family are also buried. Movies like this help to remind us all just how far we have come, and I think it was a great choice to watch, especially in February. Amber, I loved seeing the photos of your father and grandfather. You must be sooo so proud. Much love to you Jay & Amber. ❤

My Grandfather served in the U.S. Army. When he passed away in 2009 (85yo), he was honored with a military funeral. 🙂

Denzel won the Oscar for Supporting Actor for this movie. Such a good actor. Another good movie with him is Philadelphia with Tom Hanks. Another tear-jerker, however.

I had to watch this movie in my 8th grade History class. I was upset once the movie ended because I teared up and thought others would see. That never happened though because most of the class was in tears as well. This movie should be a part of all school's curriculum IMO.

What a pity Amber didn't want to watch the flogging scene. That single tear from Denzel is one of the most powerful moments in any movie, ever.

The Statue of the 54th and Robert Gould Shaw stands in Boston. Remembering the bravery and dedication of these heroes ....

This movie and Philadelphia, both starring Denzel, shine a light on dark moments of our history, but also fill you with hope. There is good in us. We will fight when our neighbors are being mistreated. I believe both Glory and Philadelphia will be films that will never get old.

This is such a good movie. So glad you watched it. The flogging of Denzel is so difficult to watch but is a reminder of how much worse the reality was. That unforgettable stare from Denzel-the lone tear that falls from his face, his stoic strength-says sooo much without a single word being spoken. It is one of the greatest acting performances of all time - and clearly was the reason he won his first Oscar. So so good. This whole movie makes me cry every time I watch it. The music, the acting, the story. It should be required viewing in all schools. ☮️ ❤️

In that Battle on Fort Wagner, we had our 1st black medal of Honor recipient. I think it was Denzel Washington's character, but I am not for sure. In "Black History Month", my son had to do a report and make a board for a backdrop to his writing. When he told me he was doing Dr M. King, I said; "No, everyone does him. Show everyone in your class that there were other great black men in history." (Nothing at all wrong with doing Dr. King but share the spotlight just a little). He ended up getting an A+ as he wrote about the 1st Black Medal of Honor recipient - from the Mass 54th. He gave credit to this movie and an article he read online - William Carney (I looked it up - and it was Denzel's Character. Seems they should have covered that in the movie.

This movie was a masterpiece. These men fought, not for themselves but all future generations. This is is the epitome of what America was meant to be. If we could all sustain such love for our country and each other, regardless of race...

WOW! Ok, my wife and I are both OG old school proud African Americans. When I saw that you guys were watching Glory I was like,.. “Uh oh!” Because you are both new school and kind hearted but to my surprise, you handled it SO well. Huge fans. Great job! Blessings to everyone who made those sacrifices for our country.

One of the best historical movies ever made. Matthew Broderick was phenomenal in this movie and his resemblance to Col.Robert Gould Shaw is uncanny. I believe Andre Braugher and Denzel Washington made their debuts in this.

I just finished watching Glory (1989) after seeing Saving Private Ryan (1998) and Schindler's List (1993). Three masterpiece films of cinema. I saw Glory many times in the early-90s. Still an amazing movie after 34 years. With Oppenheimer out, I'm in a binge watch for war films even if many of them are heavy to rewatch. Glory's music is soaring! Thank you to the late-James Horner and the Boys Choir of Harlem. Now that's a very moving war movie about sacrifice and about two races coming together as one. I still have tears in my eyes because how much emotion I felt watching it so many years later. Listen to Glory's "Charging Fort Wagner" and the closing credits. It's the same unbelievable feeling after you see the ending to The Shawshank Redemption and Top Gun: Maverick. The music absolutely soars!! Glory is the only film I ever liked Matthew Broderick in. I always found him too soft in other films. Glory has one of the best end credit songs next to the mediocre-rated Far and Away (1992) which had Enya's "Book of Days" at the end. Now that Enya song feels epic after you watch Far and Away. John Williams worked for that film and it's amazing like pretty much any of his work. Glory is a film to never forget. It's a film I first saw maybe when I was 11 or 12 on cable circa 1991-1992 and made me want to write a history report on the Civil War in the 6th grade (1992-1993). Still remains one of the greatest films I've ever seen. I'm not African-American but I want those who are to always be proud of the events chronicled by this great film.

As a former Marine and Army veteran I am proud to be a veteran of our United States military service(s) and proud of how well the 54th Massachusettes Brigade did, and such a great and honorable job! They performed their duty under the most extreme of circumstances and did what they were supposed to do. They did breach the fort! Another awesome movie about another great US Civil War unit is Gettysburg. Gettysburg and this one are 2 of my most favorite and watched military history movies. I also have my Bachelors in Military History and love seeing others learn about and appreciate what other Veterans have done. I hope you review Gettysburg at some point, I don't think you'll be disappointed. Another great reaction guys, thank you.

Hey y'all. I am so grateful and honored you viewed AND SHARED this one with us. #5 on my personal top 100 and one of the great and important stories I've ever known. Loved your pride showing through during the reaction, and I would say we should ALL be proud of this story. To me it's a story EVERYONE needs to see. Thank you for this. ❤ Great performances, GREAT (not good, but great) music and captivating imagery. The film won Oscars in Sound, Cinematography and Best Supporting Actor for Denzel Washington. I can't imagine how it didn't win more. The final shot shows the golden relief of Colonel Shaw and the 54th, which sits in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. One of my favorites in the entire world. When I've visited DC, I make it a point to go sit on the bench in the room dedicated to it and just appreciate all those men and the art which continues to keep their story alive.

This is such a great movie. Denzel is just one of the best actors ever. For another great movie, a true story, Hidden Figures tell the story about the important role black women played in the our space program to get the first American into space. This one is a much easier watch.

I saw "Glory" in the theater when it was released in 1989. It has been my favorite movie from that day forward. I've seen it many, MANY times and I get emotional every single time. I can't say enough wonderful things about it.

My father was in the Army Air Force as a senior navigational instructor during WWII, when units were still segregated. He taught a lot of aircrews navigational skills to get them to their target and home again, but he told me his best students were Tuskegee airmen. He loved this film.

The first Medal of Honor ever issued to a black soldier was awarded to Sergeant William Carney of the 54th Massachusetts, and it was issued for his actions during the battle at Fort Wagner, which was the fight that finished the movie. During the battle, the unit's color guard was shot. Carney, who was just a few feet away, saw the dying man stumble, and he scrambled to catch the falling flag. Despite suffering several serious gunshot wounds himself, Carney kept the symbol of the Union held high as he crawled up the hill to the walls of Fort Wagner, urging his fellow troops to follow him. He planted the flag in the sand at the base of the fort and held it upright until his near-lifeless body was rescued. Even then, though, he didn't give it up. Many witnesses said Carney refused to give the flag to his rescuers, holding onto it tighter until, with assistance, he made it to the Union's temporary barracks. Carney lost a lot of blood and nearly lost his life, but not once did he allow the flag to touch the ground. His heroics inspired other soldiers that day and were crucial to the North securing victory at Fort Wagner. Carney was promoted to the rank of sergeant for his actions.

“We fight for a men and women whose poetry is not yet written.” How beautiful is that?

Fun fact: The man who played the soldier who yells, "Give'em hell, 54th!" was the screenwriter of this film. (Kevin Jarre)

I swear, it doesn't matter how many times I see this movie, it makes me cry.

In elementary school, there were books that had red tape on the book end, to be banned. I primarily read these for my book reports, and one was the letter collection of Col Robert Gould Shaw TO HIS MOM. It was so powerful, sweet and said a lot how he was a kid trying to make things work and be military strength at the same time.

I have watched this movie countless times. I am a civil war nut. I have never had the privilege until now to watch it with a person or persons of color. Being an amateur historian I have never teared up until now. Watching how deeply affected you two are by this caused me to cry. Unabashedly. Thank you for allowing me to watch this movie through your eye's. A truly enlightening experience. Thank you.

This movie gets me every time. Its a reminder of the bravery of all the troops who fought for their freedom. Americans are really a special people.

The screenwriter, Kevin Jarre, also played the soldier who yelled "Give 'em Hell 54!" Just a great movie all around, thanks for sharing your reaction to it.

One of my all time favorite movies! Such an important story from the Civil War. Glad you guys watched this, God bless.

I watched this in history class in the 90s. People were tearing up. What I like about this movie is the honor these men had.

I first watched this as a High Sch student when it was released as a field trip. A year later one of the actors in the film was a guest at our school. He wanted to share the story of the making and some of the history that went on in the film. Great experience. As a teacher, I was able to show this movie to my students who enjoyed it but were upset at the ending.

Amber & Jay, glad to see you react to this one, it's definitely one of the best Civil War movies ever made. Another Morgan Freeman movie you should react to is: Lean on Me (1989). Considering you are both teachers, i think it would really hit home for both of you and would make for a great reaction video.

Yea this is the movie that took Denzel from character actor to MEGA STAR! Put him on everyone's list and all the legendary roles came after. The Malcolm X biopic is GAME CHANGER

One of the most inspiring stories in the fight for freedom in this country! Thank you to your family for their service!

Robert Gould Shaw was only in his 20s when he lead the 54th Mass. When out of an attempt to disrespect him the saunterers dumped his body in a mass grave… when his father learned of this he said he couldn’t have been more proud that his son was buried with his men.

The long hair soldier who first gives the 54th grief but later shouts "GIVE EM HELL, 54" was played by Kevin Jarre-- screenwriter for GLORY. Great little beats.

I cry every time I see this movie. Not entirely for the deaths of these soldiers but because what they did was glorious “Glory”. The entire cast was incredible. The fact that this movie is based on Colonel Shaw’s letters and those who wrote about what they saw is why we have this incredible history that everyone should see. For as long as I can remember our family watches the Oscar’s and that night Denzel won for Glory, I totally lost it! I have loved Denzel Washington since I first saw him on “St. Elsewhere” a television show on NBC that ran for 5 or 6 seasons. I’m aging myself because I recognized Morgan Freeman from the children’s show on PBS “The Electric Company”. In 2020 The New York Times named Denzel Washington as the best actor of the 21st century. This movie, in my opinion is one of the best movies, if not the greatest movie ever. Thank you for the reaction.

One of the most moving moments in my life was standing before the famous huge bronze relief of the marching men of the 54th Mass. brigade with Col. Shaw.

When I saw Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman together in that one scene, I cannot think of more acting talent in one scene. Another true story from 30 years before the war is "Amistad". Also starting Morgan Freeman. Heart-wrenching movie directed by Steven Spielberg. It also had scenes that are difficult to watch but important to tell.

I've watched this movie dozens of times. I tear up so much. Sadness. Joy. Pride. Given hell 54th. The parade. Robert knew that the meaning of them leading the charge was a huge symbol. Loved watching this reaction.

Thank you for your very honest reaction to this film. The parade really hit me hard; when the soundtrack takes over as the dignitaries salute, some with hands over their hearts….my heart wept. The sister company, the 55th Mass, had a brave, tragic story as well. For me. The charge of the 54th Mass up the hill at Wagner and Chamberlain ‘s 20th Maine down the hill at Gettysburg are two of the most important moments in American history.

Your pictures at the end were perfect. Respect for your grandfather Amber, and for all vets. I saw this movie before, and still get emotional. The last battle scene is surreal. Great job you guys.

I saw this in the theater, and back in the days when $1 screens were popping up everywhere, I saw it a number of additional times as well. Glory is one of the greatest films on the Civil War ever made. Then, you add the actual story it has to tell and its power is enormous. I know it had to be hard to watch, but the whipping scene, just that one 2 minute bit, is one of Washington's best performances - the single tear at the end about breaks you. This and Gettysburg, which came out 3 1/2 years later, led me to become a reenactor. If you ever make it to Boston, the sculpture at the end set against the credits sits on the Boston Common - a monument to Shaw and the 54th.

That line of Morgan's @ 21:13 *"This ain't no dream hon's,... we runaway slaves, but we come back fighting men..."* 😭😭😭 that line gets me *EVERYTIME!* When the opportunity was there, these brave men answered the call. Thank you for your service and sacrifice my beautiful ancestors. You gave your great grandchildren the opportunities that would absolutely blow your minds today. Eternally greatful ❤❤❤🇬🇭🇳🇬

I am SO glad that the significance of the parade scene was fully understood by you both. So many reactors kind of don't get the full weight of it. They are being shown public respect from the societal class that has kept them repressed for generations. And there are young black children seeing it, black people of all ages seeing it. These men are heroes for this short march through town. I always cry during this scene.

So much about this movie. I worked with a gentleman who was a Civil War music, weapon, and medical equipment historian. He was in this movie and I had an opportunity that I had to pass on to be an extra as well. I was invited by him to see the World Premiere where Edward Zwick gave a talk before the movie started. To this day, I remember the experience watching this on the screen at the Smithsonian and how well received the movie was...a standing ovation. Glad you were able to find this movie...

The theme to this film is still one of the most underrated scores in film history.

Oh Lord this movie is a hard watch but so worth it. The acting in this is incredible.

"Ferris Bueller" is the Colonel "Dread Pirate Roberts" (princess bride) is the Major "Capt. Holt" (Brooklyn 99) is the guy in glasses

“If you men will take no pay. Then none of us will” the sign of a leader

A powerhouse cast and an iconic film! Prime Denzel, Morgan and Matthew. All around classic 🙌🏽🙏🏽🔥💯

The ending is forever heartbreaking especially with the score😔

Who recognized long time actor John Finn from the long running CBS series Cold Case? He starred as Lt John Stillman on Cold Case and portrayed the brutal Sgt Maj Mulachy in Glory.

One of the first (and few) movies to ever make me cry. We saw this in 8th grade on VHS. The days leading up to it we had to get parental permission slips signed due to its R rating. We all saw it. Amazing movie.

One of my top 5 movies of all time and honestly changed my life when i first watched it as a kid when it came out. Denzel won his first Oscar for best supporting actor in this movie as well. Also the soundtrack is absolutely outstanding. Edward Zwick is one of the most underrated directors....all of his work is outstanding.

I can just listen to the soundtrack from this movie and relive the emotional moments in the film. As a history enthusiast, I truly believe this is one of the best movies about the Civil War and why it was fought that has ever been made. The moments that bothered you so much, as difficult as they were in the film, were probably 'light' in comparison to the reality. I am proud that we now live in a country where we can all watch and celebrate this history together. We have overcome much, but we cannot take it for granted. Thanks for sharing this with us all.

The beginning of that movie shook me pretty hard. The hospital scene was just horrifying when you close your eyes and listen to that poor guy begging not to have his leg chopped off. The level of realism they put into the movie was something a lot of folks won't be able to handle, but that's what made it such a powerful film.

The monument at the end was vandalized in 2020 during the protests. The $3 million restoration was finished last year and re-dedicated by the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment, a ceremonial unit of the National Guard.

As a veteran myself, I’m proud of all my brothers and sisters who served tis great country. This movie has always been one of my favorites. “We Were Soldiers,” and “The Last Full Measure,” are two that I recommend everyone watch. Both are about Vietnam.

The scene where Denzel’s character picks up the flag seems to tie him to the first black American to earn the Medal of Honor. Sgt William Carney picked up the flag after it’s bearer was shot and led the charge on fort Wagner never dropping it despite being shot multiple times during the battle. He survived the battle and brought that flag back when the retreat was called, and was promoted to Sgt on the spot.

One of my favorite movies of all time. Still cry every time I watch it, but it’s such an amazing story that needs to be told.

One of the best movies and most gut wrenching movies I’ve ever watched.

I was in the Marines when this movie came out and I remember how proud this movie made me feel. Denzel Washington is my favorite actor I would love to see you guys react to more of his movies. Malcolm X, Training Day, Mo Better Blues, Devil In A Blue Dress, just to name a few.

This is one of my most favorite movie of all time. All the characters are incredible. All of the character growth. One of the best movies ever

Fun fact: The screenwriter (Kevin Jarre) has two appearances in the movie. First during the "soldier's fight" and, later, during the assault on Ft. Wagner when he yells "Give 'em hell 54th!". This is one of my top five movies and is a true acting tour de force. Denzel undoubtedly deserved his Oscar.

I first saw this movie when i was about 6, so it had only been out about a year or so. That young I didn't realize how powerful this movie was and still is. I watch it 30+ years later and scenes I took for granted really can be hard to watch now knowing our contries history. Really enjoyed watching your reactions! Thank you!

This movie changed my life. I'm a Historian now, partly because of this film. I was 19 when I saw it. The Battle of Ft Wagner at the end made me cry. Regarding the flogging. The standard punishment for Desertion was death, hard as it is to believe that flogging was going easy for the time. Also, my Great Grandfather, 4 times removed, fought and died in the Civil War, for the Union. He died at Second Bull Run.

My middle-school teacher made us watch this movie in class, in 1995. I am still grateful she did, I was so deeply moved...Thank you for your beautiful and deep reaction!

I love Glory. I was 9 when this film came out and it was the first “drama” I ever watched and even at that age I understood the importance of this story.

You both closed your eyes on one of the most powerful scenes in movie history

Powerful movie. You can really see what a fantastic actor Denzel would become. This was a hell of a debut.

You two make me cry more than the movie. I love the reactions. I wish I could thank your father and grandfather for their service. They deserve all respect.

The Jayhawking Colonel was a staunch opponent to slavery and himself freed thousands of slaves in raids on the south. He was just incredibly brutal in his methods and would burn houses, farms and plantations. His logic was that he and his men would be killed if captured so he needed not worry complying to the rules of war.

ALL deserters were flogged regardless of color. Denzel was flogged because he deserted, not because of his color. Equal treatment.

One of my all-time favorite movies. Yeah, it's hard to watch at times but it's so emotional with great acting and incredibly realistic battle scenes. It's a classic.

I know that wasn't easy to watch, but he was treating them as equals in all things, even in punishments. I saw this movie in Junior high back in the 90's, and cried when I saw this. But didn't understand it until I was an adult. Love this movie. Thank you to your Father and Grandfather for their service. Truly both great generations that we could learn a lot from.