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Zulu Customer Reviews (1 - 3 of 42 Reviews)

Excellent Print/Transfer in Widescreen
Over time, there have been a number of cheap knockoff DVD versions of this classic film. I can only think that some of the reviews read on this page refer to those knockoffs, most of which are pretty poor. However, the official MGM DVD release sold here is a superb transfer. The original print is in great shape with no scratches that I could see. The colors on the transfer are bright and true to life, the red tunics particularly well rendered with no bleeding. It is crystal clear and wide, wide screen best viewed on a wide-screen monitor. As for the film, it was certainly one of my favorites as a youngster when it first came out, and I still need to see it at least once a year, but it does have the pace of an older film with a bit too many histrionics to stand up well today(as if the sergeant and his men would have the time to stand around spouting verses with the Zulu hordes just over the horizon). But that said, visually it's a sumptuous film. If you've never seen it, it is well worth a visit. If you've seen it before, it's a great transfer and you can always fast-forward through the over-dramatic bits ("The Lord sayeth you shalt not kill...!). I think my favorite line is by the above-mentioned sergeant while reading off the company roster: "Say 'Sir'... officer on parade.)

not perfect
First off Zulu is a great film. The cinematography is great, the acting is terrific, and, apart from some of the characters, is supposedly historically accurate. There are two main problems, both are understandable, that degrade the movie.
First off the film gives almost, there is a wedding at the beginning but that's it, no in-depth information about the Zulu themselves. They are portrayed neither as oppressed natives seeking just revenge nor as savages but simply as targets to be killed.
The other problem is that the battle is far to clean. The British uniforms stay virtually spotless throughout the fighting and there is very little blood seen. Neither the British nor the Zulu seem physically damaged either immediately or in the aftermath of the battle.

Singing Foes!
"Zulu" (1964) is a very good war movie that grows up to an epic chronicle.
The story is based on real facts occurred in South Africa in January 1879 and follows them with some alterations (as usual).

After a few introductory scenes, the film goes directly into an action packed narration.
The situation is as follows at Rorke's Drift stands a Christian mission. There are two small British detachments in place, totalizing around a hundred men, one for garrisoning the mission and the other one for building a bridge across the river.
Suddenly they receive notice that the main British force in the territory has been massacred early that day. Moreover Zulu's army four thousands warriors strong are marching against them.
Two very different young Lieutenants and their experienced Sergeants start urgent preparations to resist. A collection of picturesque Welsh soldiers are the backbone of the stronghold defenders.
The Pastor of the Mission incites troops to flee. He is successful with the auxiliary forces. A cavalry platoon passes by and refuse to reinforce them.
So the detachment is alone, isolated and without hope of reinforcement.
Zulu army starts attacking and reveal themselves as an organized, disciplined and courageous force.
The battle rages with increasing sanguinary violence and a prodigy of braveness is displayed by both parts.

There are some anecdotic but relevant facts around the movie to be noted.
It was filmed relatively near where the original battle take place, the South African scenery is beautifully photographed.
Some of the first scenes show a Zulu's mass marriage ceremony, comprehending dancing and singing by hundreds of members of that ethnic group. The ancestral choreography is just a joy to see!
The opposing choirs deliver one of the finest pre-battle scenes I ever watched!
The epoch reconstruction, military and diction are very accurate.

Finally play acting is great. Stanley Baker as Engineer Lt. Chard gives deepness to his character and is able to show the internal conflicts that traverse Chard's soul.
Michael Caine in his first important role makes a perfect composition of the spoiled and aristocratic of military ascent Lt. Bromhead. It is said he took his pains to perfect his accent in a military garrison.
Jack Hawkins IMHO is not at his best in this film. Nigel Green as veteran Colour Sgt. Bourne is impeccable.

This is one of the best war movies depicting colonial wars I ever seen. I strongly recommend it.
Reviewed by Max Yofre.

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