I recall seeing this film many years so thought I might watch it again. I like epics, prolonged battle scenes and some history thrown in. It is fairly accurate overall. I enjoyed the character who could tell the British what the Zulus were up to. Lots of pagentry,filmed in Natal, and probably cost a fortune to make.

Great movie epically done

Back when Hollywood still made movies and not video games

I really like Zulu and have watched it numerous times. They spend a good amount of time bringing the characters to life. They do a good job building up the dread of the Zulus arriving at Rorke's Drift.

I have the book Like Wolves on the Fold by LtCol Snook which a fantastic book on the defense of Rorke's Drift. Highly Recommened if you're interesting in learning more.

Was it Michael Caine's first movie (...and introducing Michael Caine) or just his first staring/prominent role?

Yep, great film. There's a prequel to it too: Zulu Dawn. But it's not nearly as good.

quote:

Originally posted by mojojojo:
Was it Michael Caine's first movie (...and introducing Michael Caine) or just his first staring/prominent role?

The latter. He had acted in 16 films for ~8 years prior to Zulu, but it was definitely his breakout role.

An old, but still fantastic book about the Zulu nation is The Washing of the Spears by Donald R. Morris. I first read it shortly after publication, but then for years it was seemingly impossible to find. Much later when I was praising the book to a friend who had a copy, she gave it to me. It’s one I should reread.

Still one of the greatest scenes ever. “Men of Harlech” song.

[FLASH_VIDEO] https://youtu.be/1csr0dxalpI?si=6lGtc4WhFAGTlxKx [/FLASH_VIDEO]

 https://youtu.be/1csr0dxalpI?si=6lGtc4WhFAGTlxKx  

Great movie, but this is extremely well done.

Interesting factoid, Colour Sgt Frank Bourne (wonderfully played by Nigel Green in the film), was commissioned as an officer in 1890. He was appointed adjutant at the School of Musketry at Hythe, Kent, eventually retiring in 1907. During WW1, he rejoined the army, serving again as an adjutant at the School of Musketry in Dublin. At the end of the war, he was given the honorary rank of Lt. Col and appointed OBE. He eventually retired in 1919 at the age of 64. Passing away in 1945, he was the last surviving defender of Rorke's Drift. Pretty amazing life.

"Bourne lived in retirement at 16 Kings Hall Road, Beckenham, Kent. He was the last surviving defender from Rorke's Drift, dying on 9 May 1945 (the day after VE Day), at the age of 90. Bourne was buried in Beckenham Cemetery. His house in Beckenham has been adorned with a blue plaque.[4]"

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