Shaw was the real commander of the 54th. The film accurately portrays his background, initial doubts, growing respect for his men, and death leading the charge at Fort Wagner. Some events (whipping scene) are likely inaccurate.

Trip is a fictional composite character representing formerly enslaved soldiers. His defiance, backstory, and eventual bravery are dramatic creations, though his attitude reflects plausible experiences. Denzel Washington won an Oscar for the role.

Rawlins is a fictional composite character, possibly representing the role of older, respected figures within the regiment. The real Sgt. Major was Frederick Douglass's son, Lewis Douglass, who was younger and educated.

Searles is a fictional composite character representing the educated, free Northern Black men who volunteered. His arc from bookish recruit to hardened soldier reflects the transformation many underwent.

Sharts is a fictional composite character representing soldiers from humbler, possibly rural backgrounds.

Forbes is a fictional composite character representing the white officers serving under Shaw. The real second-in-command was Edward Hallowell.

The regiment was formed in early 1863, authorized by Gov. Andrew of Massachusetts, as one of the first official Black regiments raised in the North during the Civil War.

The film depicts mostly formerly enslaved or lower-class recruits. In reality, the 54th consisted largely of free Black men from various Northern states, many educated and from professional backgrounds, though formerly enslaved men also joined.

Shaw was known for drilling the regiment intensely to prepare them for combat and prove their capability.

The film shows Shaw having to bully a quartermaster for shoes. In reality, as Gov. Andrew's "pet project," the 54th was generally well-equipped from the start.

Black soldiers were initially offered $10 per month (minus $3 for clothing) compared to the $13 paid to white soldiers.

The men of the 54th (and 55th) famously refused to accept any pay for 18 months until the government granted equal pay retroactively, which it eventually did in 1964. The specific scene of ripping up pay vouchers is dramatized.

Flogging had been outlawed in the U.S. Army two years prior (1861). While isolated incidents may have occurred elsewhere, it's highly unlikely Shaw would have ordered this punishment, especially given its symbolism related to slavery.

Like many Black regiments initially, the 54th was often assigned fatigue duty and manual labor rather than combat roles, much to the frustration of Shaw and the men.

The 54th participated, under protest from Shaw, in the burning and looting of the undefended town of Darien, ordered by Col. James Montgomery in June 1863.

The 54th saw its first significant combat action at the Battle of Grimball's Landing on James Island, South Carolina, just days before the assault on Fort Wagner, where they performed well.

The 54th volunteered to lead the dangerous frontal assault on the heavily fortified Confederate Battery Wagner.

The regiment suffered extremely heavy casualties in the failed assault, including Col. Shaw, demonstrating immense bravery under fire. Roughly 40-50% of the attacking force were killed, wounded, or captured.

Col. Shaw was killed early in the charge while rallying his men on the parapet of Fort Wagner.

The film's closing text states the fort was never taken. While the July 18th assault failed, Union forces besieged the fort, and Confederate troops abandoned it about two months later (September 1863).

The Confederacy had declared that captured Black soldiers would not be treated as POWs and could be executed or enslaved, and their white officers executed. This was a real threat faced by the 54th.

The film accurately portrays the environment of a Civil War training camp, including drill, barracks life, and the initial formation of the regiment.

Filming locations effectively represented the Sea Islands of South Carolina and Georgia where the 54th operated, including beaches, marshes, and fortifications like Fort Wagner.

The reconstruction of Fort Wagner for the film accurately conveyed its strong earthwork defenses and strategic location commanding the entrance to Charleston Harbor.

Meticulous attention was paid to historical accuracy in uniforms (Union blue, specific regimental distinctions), weaponry (Springfield rifle muskets), flags, and other accoutrements, aided by reenactors.

The film accurately portrays Civil War infantry drill, marching formations, manual of arms, and assault tactics like charging in line of battle.

Accurately reflects the pervasive racism of the era, including prejudice from white Union soldiers, institutional discrimination (pay, assignments), and the Confederate policies towards Black troops.

Thousands of Civil War reenactors participated, adding significantly to the authenticity of the large battle scenes and the overall appearance of the soldiers and their movements.

While showing the aftermath of battles, the film doesn't focus heavily on the often crude and brutal nature of Civil War medical care to the same extent as some other films.

The film effectively captures the feel of the period, the look of the armies, and the specific challenges and triumphs of the first Black regiment raised in the North.