Being a civil war buff, I have viewed this film many times. This film is about the first black union civil war regiment. It is moving, historically accurate and a tribute to the men who fought in the civil war. The depictions of the African Americans who served the union cause are wonderful. Action is minimal, as the focus is on the men and what they went through. What battle scenes do exit are presented well. The climax of the assault on the Confederate fort is breathtaking. Bottom line, a good film with a near fatal flaw. Matthew Broderick was badly cast, being neither believable in the role nor competent as an actor in general.