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Zulu Customer Reviews (31 - 33 of 42 Reviews)

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.

The Ultimate Struggle for Survival Under Siege
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.