Glory

Kassie asked me why I don't write in my blog anymore. As I thought about it, I realized that I don't ! So it is with great desire, I am going to try and at least say a few words about every movie I see. Not a big old analysis or anything - but at least a few words.

Tonight I watched Glory which follows the first all black regiment in the Union during the Civil War. It was hard for me to get over Matthew Broderick being a colonel when all I could think about was Ferris Bueller's day off. However, he did really good even though I kept expecting him to grin at the camera and start talking about skipping school.

Perhaps the most moving part of the film for me was the few scenes emphasizing Denzil Washington's character and his story. He is a run away slave who feels like he really is not a part of either the South or the North, black or white. He is filled with a lot of hate and takes it out on another black soldier who has been raised in the North. I think what struck me so much about him was simply the fact that he was so hurt, and needed to brotherhood and friendship so much - that he was reckless and hurtful to others. It was a small microcosm, for me, of what the whole concept of war is all about. Hurt pride, poor environments of growth and development, and unsatisfied needs to feel love and respect. Washington is one of my favorite actors and he did a super great job in this film.

I also got to practice patience! Wahoo! The blasted Clearplay along with the ancient DVD combined against me and there was a lot of skipping. Thus I don't know if I missed some key moments.

Either way - I recommend watching it edited, when you are in a serious mood, and if you haven't seen a race oriented movie in a while. As is often the case however, this is not a film about race as it is about hate and interacting with our fellowman.

I am very grateful for those who have gone before to preserve our freedom. The courage they showed and love can be seen in the hope that is America today. It's a good one!