Matthew Broderick is brilliant in this movie
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Chloe1251 — 14 years ago(April 28, 2011 07:02 AM)
While the movie was about war, it really was about self reflection, respect and dignity.
I couldn't agree more. I've seen this movie countless times and each time I'm newly amazed by the subtle yet powerful performances, especially Matthew Broderick's. This movie is extremely moving and touching without having even a touch of saccharine or sappiness. Even after so many viewings I'm still unable to watch the final scene on the beach (before the battle) without tearing up.
IMO, one of the finest films ever made, bar none. -
hachmom-1 — 14 years ago(May 15, 2011 04:52 AM)
I have always felt Matthew's performance in this film is superb, and like others have said I find totally lose him in Shaw when I watch this film.
Public appreciation of this film was partly a victim of bad timingthe film was released a year before Ken Burns' Civil War really awakened alot of people to our history. One wonders if the film would have done better if it had been released in, say, 1991.
It is not our abilities that show who we truly areit is our choices -
Hancock_the_Superb — 14 years ago(May 31, 2011 04:50 PM)
Agreed. I think Broderick was unfairly criticized just because he was cast - a lot of comments you read on the film are "What's Ferris Bueller doing in a Civil War film?" He is outshined by Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman, but they have flashier characters to play. Broderick hits Shaw's mixture of idealism, insecurity and haughtiness perfectly, and I can't picture anyone else in the part.
"That's what the elves call Justice of the Unicorn!" -
nooneishere — 14 years ago(July 07, 2011 05:00 PM)
Shaw died at 25 (or so), why were people ever complaining that Broderick was too you to play the character? I also think his young voice is perfect for the character's inexperience with the position, it adds a dimension to an already great portrayal.
"That's the karma again, I didn't help Kenny so she beat me up with a telephone" -
Jlcsoccer4 — 14 years ago(July 09, 2011 10:08 PM)
I recently did a research paper on Shaw for my Civil War studies class and all the research I did, including reading the numerous letters he wrote during the war, only further convinced me that Broderick played the role perfectly. I wouldn't have wanted anyone else for Shaw.
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digitaldiva — 14 years ago(July 27, 2011 12:48 PM)
Hi thrwmbgkdosbepmc,
Matthew was wonderful in this role. Shaw was a small, boyish young man who died at 25. He was Harvard educated, spoke with a Boston Brahmin accent, and Matthew captured it perfectly. A wonderful movie and he was wonderful in it. -
anneandwalt-1 — 13 years ago(February 09, 2013 06:43 PM)
Watching Glory again, I have reappraised Broderick's performance and found it quite strong. Let's remember that at only age 25 he was a Colonel leading a full regiment - and was not a professional soldier. Giving his horrific experiences earlier in the war, Shaw was understandably wrestling with fear and self-doubt as he struggled to fulfill his parents wishes in a politically thankless situation.
Casting a older, gruffer actor would not have been true to Shaw - well done Matthew. -
LDHRELL2003 — 12 years ago(December 25, 2013 02:09 PM)
The film was not even nominated for Best PictureDenzel spoke to that doing his acceptance for Best Supporting actor. The critics used Broderick's so called "weak" performance to diminish Glory. The only reason why Glory did not win Best Picture"Driving Miss Daisy"really? Matthew was simply amazing in the movie.
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hnt_dnl — 11 years ago(July 05, 2014 02:09 AM)
That's a tough call, because this was not Washington's first Oscar nomination.
Cry Freedom
in 1987 was. And both of these roles are Supporting. I guess you could say that this movie was a breakout because it was a flashy role which won him his first Oscar, but a lot of Oscar winners have died into obscurity after winning. His star was definitely on the rise at this point. -
Michael71 — 11 years ago(June 22, 2014 06:37 AM)
Yeah its the scenes where he has no lines where he comes off really well. He played the part extremely well I agree. This film should be more popular, it is educational, should be shown in schools in history lessons definately.
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moon_star_skies — 11 years ago(October 21, 2014 02:45 PM)
100% on target! Matthew was brilliant in "Glory" and deserved more recognition for his moving performance, not to mention his stunning performance in "How to Succeed." He can perform any characterdance & song man, drama, scientific characters, political figures, etc., etc. He is brilliant.