American Civil War in “Glory” and “Lincoln” Films Essay

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The movie Glory is a biography drama film reflecting the events during the Civil War between 1861 and 1865, as well as the contribution of the Captain Robert Gould Shaw to the abolition of slavery and creation of the first colored regiment, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. The movie is an inspirational tale that takes its roots in characters and manners in which the heroes surpass the obstacles and their personal fears. The main character is brightly represented in his endeavors to liberate the country from slavery, establishing freedom and equality. Therefore, the movie touches on diverse historic events, including the confrontation between the Union and the Confederate, the fight for the abolition of slavery, and biographical sketch of Captain Shaw.

In the movie, the Civil War is depicted through the lenses of the Union power struggling for freeing slavery. More importantly, it also develops the plotline around the experience of the young captain who confronts the severity of war. The political issues are also represented during the war because major political and social figures have been represented, including Frederick Douglass, a social reformer who fought against human inequality and slavery.

The topic of slavery is frequently discussed in historic movies, but Glory focuses on lives of black people who were involved into the military fight against the white people. For the first time in history, they receive the official right to confront their former master under the auspices of the Captain Shaw. By depicting both humble African Americans who have just been liberated from slavery and influential people contributing to the slavery abolition, the director tries to render the full atmosphere of the confrontation between powerful forces in the United States.

Finally, the movie focuses on the glorious Captain Robert Gould Shaw who has managed to create the first Army of the African Americans and train the Army that continued its fight even after Shaw’s death. The military officer was ready to sacrifice his life for the victory and freedom of the black people. Pursuing his mission, Shaw believed in the possibility to create a powerful force that can confront the Confederate and prove that African Americans are capable of protecting their rights.

Hence, the movie is a bright representation of major historic events happened during the Civil War. The plotline focuses on the achievements and goals made by Captain Robert Gould Shaw who was ready to sacrifice his life for the sake of his mission – to liberate his country from slavery and prove the equality and humane rights should be available to all people irrespective of race.

The movie Lincoln centers on a legendary politician and the 16th President of the United States. The plots highlights the last months of Lincoln’s life, as well as his efforts to introduce the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. There are many motions pictures representing Lincoln’s personality and his leadership skills, but this movie seems to approach the issue properly. Lincoln performed by Day-Lewis is powerful, impeccable, and accurate. The actor has managed to capture the priorities that this historical personality followed. Overall, the movie relates to such important events as the adoption of the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, abolition of slavery in the country, the Civil war, and the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation.

In the movie, the director focuses on Lincoln’s unconventional political decisions and strategies aimed at liberating African Americas from white people’s dominance. Certainly, the problem of slavery has been discussed in many pictures and novel, but the focus of the movie on the power and talent of Lincoln, as well as his strong aspiration to establish equality in the country. The movie also discusses the pitfalls of the political strategies of other influential figures of the nineteenth century, who often resorted to unlawful measures for achieving their goals. Lincoln, therefore, had to face to the legal hurdles to fight for justice and conquer the disposition of the House of Representative.

Apart from political struggles, the movie also represents several battle scenes to render the atmosphere of the epoch and make the portrayal of the preparation for peace negotiation with Confederacy more important. It introduces a captivating interpretation of the rivalry between the White House and Congress. Finally, the movie also pays closer attention to Lincoln’s personal life to discover the President’s human dimension, which makes much easier to understand his political endeavors. Despite that, Lincoln is not depicted as a sentimental man, but the director is not afraid of discovering the presidents as an ambitious politician who is willing to introduce chances to law and accomplish greater goal in life.

Overall, Lincoln is a powerful movie that sheds life on multiple events that bear historical significance. Much of the representation and biographic references provide a greater insight into Lincoln’s rigorous fight with the Confederate, as well as his desperate attempt to abolish slavery and establish equality. The movie also represents the President as a talented politician and inborn leader whose tactics and governance have contributed to the welfare of U.S. citizens.

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IvyPanda. 2020. "American Civil War in “Glory” and “Lincoln” Films." August 21, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/american-civil-war-in-glory-and-lincoln-films/.

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IvyPanda. "American Civil War in “Glory” and “Lincoln” Films." August 21, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/american-civil-war-in-glory-and-lincoln-films/.

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