A stirring war Western with some savage and striking battle scenes, this is the story of the first black regiment to fight for the Union during the American Civil War. Its young white commander, at first reluctant to be hard on his rag-tag troops, later sees that he has to be tough before he can be comradely and generous, and eventually win the love of his men.

This difficult role, an introverted young man determined not to flinch from duty or from leading his men into battle, is skilfully handled by Matthew Broderick in one of his best performances. The script isn't quite emotive enough to make this an absolute screen classic, but it comes close: fortunately its actions - and action - speak louder than words.