This movie brought together Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman. Established all of them as power house actors. Great script and acting. Revolved around the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry comprised of all African Americans.
If you have not seen this movie then you have been deprived both as a history buff and as a movie lover.
This was a great screenplay/storyline... and a good movie. When it comes to the acting... well, Morgan Freeman couldn't have a bad performance if he tried, I think. Same for Denzel Washington, but on a slightly less level. They both put their all into whatever role they're playing. Now Broderick... well his performance in this movie wasn't so great. Yeah, I know, everyone's suddenly a film critic. hehe I usually don't take notice unless it really jumps out at me. For me, it wasn't one of my favorite movies because I'm so much into Gettysburg and sadly the 54th wasn't there, so I know less about these brave soldiers than I do any of the regiments that were present for the Gettysburg battle.
Well I agree Broderick was definitely not the best performer in the movie but I think that was one of his best performances in his career. He is not exactly a top tier actor anyway. That movie put him on the map. I think Freeman gets more credit than he sometimes deserves. I think Denzel Washington was the best actor in that movie. Especially the part where he was whipped when they thought he was a deserter. The tear from the eye just at the right time as he eyeballed Broderick. Amazing acting sequence.
I was forced to watch this by my HS history teacher, I was pretty severely traumatize and almost became a pacifist as a result.
