
The Glass Shield
In a world filled with violence... his only weapon is the truth!
1994 • 110 min • Drama · Action · Thriller · Crime
Synopsis
J.J. is a rookie in the Sheriff's Department and the first black officer at that station. Racial tensions run high in the department as some of J.J.'s fellow officers resent his presence. His only real friend is the other new trooper, the first female officer to work there, who also suffers similar discrimination in the otherwise all-white male work environment. When J.J. becomes increasingly aware of police corruption during the murder trial of Teddy Woods, whom he helped to arrest, he faces difficult decisions and puts himself into grave personal danger in the service of justice.
Our family guide
Best from age 13- 52 Audience · 52 · 100%
A rookie Black sheriff's deputy faces racism and sexism within his department, alongside the first female officer. He uncovers deep corruption during a murder trial, putting himself at great risk to fight for justice. This crime thriller explores systemic issues and personal integrity.
- Violence & peril
- 5/10
- Language
- 4/10
- Drinking, drugs & smoking
- 2/10
- Romance & sensuality
- 1/10
- Scary moments
- 4/10
Heads up
- Racial slurs and discriminatory language are present.
- Depiction of police brutality and injustice.
- A murder trial is central to the plot.
- Some characters use alcohol and cigarettes.
What it models well
- Fighting for justice and truth
- Courage in the face of adversity
- Standing up against corruption
- Embracing diversity and inclusion
Talk about it after
- Systemic racism and discrimination
- Police ethics and corruption
- The importance of integrity
- The role of an individual in seeking justice
Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for The Glass Shield. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.
Where to watch
Free
Rent
- Amazon Video
- Apple TV Store
- Google Play Movies
- YouTube
- Fandango At Home
Buy
- Amazon Video
- Apple TV Store
- Google Play Movies
- YouTube
- Fandango At Home
Links go straight to each service. Some are affiliate links that support Movie Knight at no cost to you. Availability data by JustWatch via TMDB.
Top billed cast
Director: Charles Burnett • Crew: Charles Burnett, Ned Welsh, John Eddie Johnson

Michael Boatman
Dep. J.J. Johnson

Lori Petty
Dep. Deborah Fields

Ice Cube
Theodore 'Teddy' Woods

Erich Anderson
D.A. Ira Kern

Bernie Casey
James Locket

Richard Anderson
Watch Cmmdr. Clarence Massey

Elliott Gould
Greenspan

Victoria Dillard
Barbara Simms

Michael Ironside
Det. Gene Baker

Natalija Nogulich
Judge Helen Lewis
Trailers & clips
The Glass Shield 1994 Trailer | Michael Boatman | Lori Petty
Reviewer notes
No critic reviews aggregated yet.
Fan reviews
Sign in to rate and reviewBe the first fan to review this.
Gallery
Details
- TMDB audience
- 5.2/10 (52)
- Age rating
- PG-13
- Status
- Released
- Budget
- $5,000,000
- Box office
- $3,291,163
- IMDb
- tt0109906

Hoopla
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home






