Rent Zulu (1964)

Jolly good - Zulu review by JD

Tally ho what. This is from the Terry Thomas genre. The fighting scenes are so bad as to be recommendable. I cannot remember ever seeing such utterly unconvincing stabbings. A good laugh. There is some good acting particularly of course by Michael Caine and in parts is quite moving.

Zulu - Film of Battle of Rorke's Drift. Watched it before it is banned due to political correctness. - Zulu review by OL

Zulu - Film of Battle of Rorke's Drift - Unfortunately a film like this will not be made again. A Kipling like story of British Colonialism in 19th Century Africa. The first starring role for Michael Caine, Stanley Baker in main role.

A review on here said the fight scenes are unrealistic. This is the early 60s not the 2000s. Epic photography of Africa, gets into action quickly as well as good explanation of who each character is. Have watched multiple times, probably not for people if they only like Marvel films.

Michael Caine with a posh accent?? The ultimate siege film - Zulu review by HW

Perhaps the quality of this movie is hard to argue for in this day and age, especially when there are many scenes of red-coated white men gunning down hundreds of black men. But honestly, this film didn’t feel as patriotic or jingoist as I expected it to. There are some excellent performances (Caine included) of the British soldiers as ordinary men caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, simply doing their duty: ‘Why us?’ ‘Because we’re here.’ Arguably they wouldn’t have been there if it wasn’t for colonialism and empire-building. There is no sense of pride in the empire or war. By the end, the Brits are left shaken, even ashamed to be alive: a realistic portrayal of the psychological effects of warfare. I don’t know how accurate this depiction of this extraordinary event is but it’s arguably the most epic siege film, with suspenseful, emotional build-up to fierce action scenes and spectacular scenery. You can see how this inspired ‘Two Towers’. I also thought the Zulus were depicted decently as noble warriors. A tour-de-force of emotion and the horrors of colonial conflict. 

Historical Epic. - Zulu review by Steve

Sprawling, epic account of the defence of the Christian mission at Rorke's Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 when 150 British soldiers armed with rifles held their ground against an attack from over 3000 Zulu warriors with spears. The imposing production was shot on location in Natal near the site of the battle. The many Zulu extras were descendants of the actual fighters.

The film is respectful to both sides and while the names of the eleven recipients of the Victoria Cross are solemnly intoned (by Richard Burton) at the conclusion, it is critical of the barbarity of empire. The combat is not staged with much realism in close up, but looks spectacular in the long shots, enhanced by the evocative sound mix.

Performances are variable. This was Michael Caine big break, but he is an unconvincing officer. Jack Hawkins is stuck with an impossible role as a drunken missionary, and it's a relief when he exits the action. Stanley Baker is the best of the leads, and Nigel Green catches the eye. But crucially, all the cast contribute to the vivid visual pageant.

The ostentatious British redcoats look magnificent against the baby blue Technicolor sky, as does the line of Zulu warriors stretched across the CinemaScope horizon. John Barry's score pumps up the bloody combat. This is a long, rousing blockbuster, which takes a few liberties with history. But its reflections on the futility of war will always be relevant.