The movie recounts the formation of the first African American regiment in the Union army during the Civil War, drawing from historical records and letters penned by Col. Robert Gould Shaw. The unit was assembled at a time when the Confederacy seemed to be winning, driven partly by a sense of urgency rather than confidence in its potential success—though Shaw himself believed in these soldiers. The story that unfolds shows that their challenges weren’t limited to those in Confederate uniforms; there was also considerable doubt about their abilities within their own ranks. One of Shaw's initial responsibilities, portrayed by Matthew Broderick, involves providing them with essential equipment like shoes and socks. It becomes apparent that the men themselves held diverse perspectives, a point effectively conveyed through performances from Morgan Freeman as Sgt. Mjr. Rawlins, Denzel Washington as Pte. Trip, and Cary Elwes as Major Forbes, Shaw’s longtime friend and confidant. This is an important story to share, but I wasn't convinced Broderick possessed the necessary acting ability to carry it effectively; without a strong central presence, much of the historical significance felt diminished, resembling more of a television production than a cinematic experience. Perhaps Elwes fared better, as his character at least had some depth and internal conflict. The remainder of the cast portrays their story of bravery and resistance adequately, but the film lacked the impact I’d hoped for. Furthermore, the depictions of wartime action felt overly polished and detached from the grim reality of the war these men faced, a war where hostility existed as much within their own ranks as it did among the enemy. It's worth seeing to encourage further exploration of the lives of these pioneering soldiers, and thankfully avoids any saccharine sentimentality; however, I found myself ultimately disappointed by the film’s lack of a truly commanding lead performance.

Source on TMDB