The Glass Shield
PG-13

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
Movie Knight Score
52 reviews
  • 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.

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Top billed cast

Director: Charles Burnett • Crew: Charles Burnett, Ned Welsh, John Eddie Johnson

Trailers & clips

The Glass Shield 1994 Trailer | Michael Boatman | Lori Petty

Reviewer notes

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Gallery

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Details

TMDB audience
5.2/10 (52)
Age rating
PG-13
Status
Released
Budget
$5,000,000
Box office
$3,291,163