Zulu
by Cheeto
Posted on 16 April 2021
Rating -
Zulu is a 1964 British epic war film depicting the Battle of Rorke’s Drift between the British Army and the Zulus in January 1879, during the Anglo-Zulu War. It shows how 150 British soldiers, 30 of whom were sick and wounded patients in a field hospital, successfully held off a force of 4,000 Zulu warriors. The film is notable for showing the Zulu army as disciplined and governed by strategy.
The film was directed by American screenwriter Cy Endfield and produced by Stanley Baker and Cy Endfield, with Joseph E. Levine as executive producer. The screenplay was by Endfield and historical writer John Prebble, based on Prebble’s 1958 Lilliput article “Slaughter in the Sun”. The film stars Baker and introduces Michael Caine, in his first major role, with a supporting cast that includes Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Nigel Green, Paul Daneman, Glynn Edwards, Ivor Emmanuel, and Patrick Magee. Future South African political leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi played Zulu King Cetshwayo kaMpande, his great-grandfather. The opening and closing narration is spoken by Richard Burton.
Emotion, action and suspense, this film has it all. Zulu makes you feel that you’re part of the 150 men at Rorke’s Drift, fighting on pure will and determination to not only defend the outpost, but to plain and simply survive. Stanley Baker and Michael Caine both give great performances as the two lieutenants in charge. Right from the off, you know who’s in charge, and who to look for to rally the troops through the battle.
Zulu is not only focused on the Brits though, it shows the Zulu’s as elite warriors with knowledge and tactics, making them a threatening and dangerous opponent. Just the fact that the Brits are outnumbered by almost 28 to 1 heightens these feelings. As you’re watching the final act, you would be forgiven as to think Rorke’s Drift would have the same outcome as Isandlwana, as they are being pressed inwards; they retreat and form a classic three tiered formation. This formation works, and they kill each and every last Zulu raiding the outpost.
Overall, I think anyone with a brain, not only film fans, should drop everything they’re doing and go and watch this film. It truly is a marvel of film making with a kick-ass score to go with it.
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