Zulu

Rating:
Summary: A real extravaganza!
Review: In January 1879, the British launched a war against the Zulu nation of South Africa, expecting that their well-trained and -equipped armies would have an easy time. An army of some 1,350 soldiers was engaged by the Zulu warriors at Isandlwana and almost completely annihilated. Following this victory, the Zulus moved back along the British path to a small supply station at Rorke's Drift, which contained a good deal of supplies and some 150 British soldiers. Over the day and night of Wednesday, 22 January 1879, and into the following morning, the Zulus launched attack after attack against the small garrison, but were unable to overcome its defenses and finally retired to Zulu land. The British public, hungry for heroes in the aftermath of Isandlwana, were overjoyed at this plucky action, and some eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded to defenders of Rorke's Drift. This is their story.

OK, as always with Hollywood, you must accept that history will be changed to make it more "interesting," and this movie is no exception. However, that said, this is a great movie, with lots of great action and heroism. I liked that while the British were portrayed as heroic (with just enough human weakness thrown in) the Zulus were also portrayed as disciplined warriors, honorable and brave. The cast is wonderful, with Nigel Green doing an excellent job of portraying Colour Sgt. Bourne with a great mix of almost superhuman soldiering and vulnerable humanity. And, I must add, that the scenery was excellent, helping to make this movie a real extravaganza.

So, if you are looking for a clear-eyed and realistic recreation of the 1879 battle of Rorke's Drift, you will need to look elsewhere. But, if you are looking for a movie of Victorian-era colonial warfare, with action, heroism and lots of gunfire, then this is the movie for you. I love it!

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding re-telling of the 1879 battle at Rorke's Drift
Review: In January, 1879, a column of British soldiers comprised primarily of the 24th Regiment of Foot, South Wales Borderers, was wiped out at the base of the mountain, Isandhlwana, in Natal, South Africa. A large contingent of 4,000 Zulu warriors then moved on to the undermanned expedition base at Rorke's Drift. This movie tells the incredible true story of the subsequent battle, and of the victory of the 90 some British soldiers, many of them sick, who held their post in the face of overwhelming odds. See Donald Morris' definitive book, _The Washing of the Spears_, against which this film account compares most favorably.

This neglected classic was filmed at a time when it was still just possible to associate the word "glory" with military victory-- without a sneer. The makers of the film avoid preaching and just let the battle tell the tale of the men of both sides. The British soldiers are not the "good guys" nor are the Zulus "bad guys," and the lone derogatory comment about the fighting ability of the Zulus is instantly rebuffed by a tough Boer cavalryman who says, "And just who do you think is coming to wipe out your little garrison, the Grenadier Guards?" This is a soldier's story about a soldier's fight.

Did the Welsh really sing "Men of Harlach" as they manned their mealie-bag barricades?

Did the Zulus really render a warrior's salute as they broke off the action on the second day of the battle?

It doesn't matter. The film is accurate in the historical basics that really count.

Beautifully filmed on location, with an outstanding, stirring score by John Barry, this film features solid but appropriately understated performances by Stanley Baker, Michael Caine, and Jack Hawkins.

I hesitate to mention the hideous, politically correct pre-quel, _Zulu Dawn_ which was released almost 25 years after _Zulu_, but any viewer who has the unhappy experience of seeing _Zulu Dawn_ should not be put off from seeing _Zulu_, which shines in comparison.

Whether one is interested in military history or a "movie for men who like movies," _Zulu_ is a worthy addition to a film library. From first to last, it is a compelling, superior film.

Rating:
Summary: What??? NO Extras????
Review: On the UK Paramount DVD release there are some truly wonderful extras. For some bizarre, inexplicable reason the extras been excluded from this version. This was one of the most popular British films ever made but, typically, due to the fact that it didn't become a huge hit in the States, it gets a rather shabby, pitiful DVD release.

Shame on you MGM.

Rating:
Summary: The Ultimate Struggle for Survival Under Siege
Review: The story begins with the Zulu army fresh from their stunning massacre of 1300 British soldiers at Isandhlwana. This force of over 5000 seasoned warriors then turns their attention to a small outpost called Rorke's drift. Only one hundred men, many sick and some malingerers man this camp in the middle of South African wilderness. Two lieutenants, one, engineer, and one the son of an English aristocrat are in command. These young officers are not battle tested but must quickly prepare for the fight of their lives. Fortunately, they are supported by efforts of the quintessential sergeant major that hardly breaks a sweat as he fights the fierce adversaries while maintaining proper British manners and discipline. By the use of military tactics and shear resolve, the two officers galvanize their small force against nearly insurmountable odds. This film is full of breathtaking sequences, exciting heroics and slackers becoming heroes. A scene where the Zulus attack the hospital is particularly brimming with action. Zulu also has its fair share of honor and humanity. Stanley Baker and Michael Caine turn in fine performances as the commanders of Rorke's Drift. Cy Endfield directs one of the most exciting movies ever made about the tenacity of the British soldier.

Rating:
Summary: 'I get Rourke's drift'
Review: Watch Zulu enough and you'll see the warrior stab the wall instead of the Welshman; you'l see one man defend the perimeter from about 60 Zulus on the other side of some mealy bags (the Zulu actors seem to be just milling around). However, these things aside, for a 1964 production, this is an epic effort.

Firstly, the producers chose to film on location the in Kwa-Zulu Natal area of South Africa, near to where the actual battle happened. This beats many movies of the current era who think driving a few miles in to the hills of Southern California will do for almost any 'on-location' shoot.

We have the rookie-in-charge Bromhead, played by Michael Caine in his first movie, Stanley Baker as the Officer of Engineers, both firmly supported by such greats as Jack Hawkins, James Booth and Nigel Green (who was surely born to play the tough-but-fair colour-seargent).

Based on a true story, Zulu recounts the before, during and aftermath of a 4000-strong Zulu assualt on a small garrison of just over 100 British & native soldiers. The Zulus, armed now with the Britis soldiers' dead comrades Martini-Henry rifles, pour from the hills and attempt to overrun the makeshift corral at Rourke's Drift. It's up to the Brits (mostly Welsh to be specific) to fend them off.

Richard Burton also lends his voice to the narration, giving a sombre yet regal sound to both ends of the movie. A great battle movie, great soundtrack with the Welsh privates singing Men of Harlech liable to get your hair standing on end.

Rating:
Summary: A Must See
Review: Simply spectacular. Look for Michael Caine in his first role ever.

Rating:
Summary: Girls can love this movie too!
Review: I have always enjoyed this movie since I was a little girl. At 27 I love it even more. The gentleman behavior of the English, the breathtaking battle sequences and the fantastic score are spectacular. I have my favorite characters that just send shivers up my back and tears to my eyes at times for their heroism. If you don't take my word for how great this movie is you can refer to Lord of the Rings Two Towers extras. Peter Jackson was inspired by a few of the scenes from Zulu for the beginning of the battle at Helm's Deep.

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant film of the fight at Rorke's Drift
Review: The heroic stand by British soldiers at Rorke's Drift against 4,000 Zulu warriors is superb filmmaking, detailing the event in widescreen Technicolor that also underscores the tension at the post and the preparation of the defenders in the hours before the attack. Michael Caine debuts in this film and his Lt. Bromhead clashes immediately with Lt. Chard [Stanley Baker], an engineer whose task is to build a bridge across the drift who nevertheless is in command of the garrison by reason or seniority. The two men put aside their differences and concentrate on battle strategy and placement of men, vowing to stand fast and confront the enemy who wiped out a British force of 1,500 men only hours earlier. The battle scenes are gripping and realistic, replete with bloody, hand-to-hand fighting that shows fierce Zulu tribesmen thrusting spears at the red-coated British soldiers who in turn thrust back with their bayonets. There is also long-range rifle firing on each side, with the Zulus pinning down the soldiers with rifles taken from their victims after the earlier battle. The determined Zulus manage to overrun the post but take heavy casualties from the defenders' withering gunfire. In one scene, the resourceful British release penned-up cattle that they use to shield themselves from the Zulus, and the cattle's horns and hoofs slash and trample the warriors in one of the final assaults on the garrison.

Rating:
Summary: A five star if ever there was one
Review:

I've watched this film a couple of times and am always impressed. It is based on the factual story of the 1879 decimation of the 24th Foot Regiment of Welsh infantry at the battle of Rourke's Drift, a small station in Natal, Africa, during the Zulu war. More Victoria's Crosses (the British version of our Congressional Medal of Honor) were awarded as a result of that action than during any other battle.

Michael Caine made his debut in the film, and Stanley Baker also does a great job as the engineer in command of the operation. Caine portrayed a diffident young lieutenant of infantry, a product of generations of soldiers. Baker's part was that of a lieutenant of engineers, there to build a bridge, who was slightly (months) senior to Caine, and thus assumed command of the troop during the action.

After a great victory against a British army of over 1,300, the small supply station at Rourke's Drift is attacked by the Zulu nation, and successfuly defended by less than 100 men over a couple day period, after which the Zulus withdrew, having suffered terrible casualties.

One gets the impression that this is the British military as it might have been portrayed by Rudyard Kipling at his best. A thoroughly riveting movie. One of the best I've seen.

Joseph (Joe) Pierre

author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenance
and other books

Rating:
Summary: Blimey! This film sends a bloody thrill up my knickers
Review: Every time I see this film (almost daily), tears come to my eyes. The empire will never die! God save the Queen! (Bono sucks, k gets killed in a film, life is good, pass the corn)