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Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine ... see more see more... , Nigel Green , Ivor Emmanuel , Paul Daneman , Glynn Edwards , Neil McCarthy , Gary Bond , Tom Gerrard , Patrick Magee , Richard Davies , Dafydd Havard , Denys Graham , Dickie Owen , Larry Taylor , Joe Powell , John Sullivan , Harvey Hall , Gert Van Den Bergh , Dennis Folbigge , Kerry Jordan , Ronald Hill , Simon Sabela , Richard Burton , David Kerman

Filmed on a grand scale, Zulu is a rousing recreation of the January 22, 1879, siege of Rorke's Drift in Natal, Africa. An army of 4,000 Zulu warriors have already decimated a huge British garrison; n... read more read more...ow they are on their way to the much smaller Rorke's Drift. A Royal Engineers officer (Stanley Baker) is determined to stand his ground, despite having only a skeleton garrison at his command. His steamroller tactics are constantly at odds with those of a by-the-book lieutenant (Michael Caine), who feels that a retreat is called for, but it becomes clear that if the garrison is to survive, they'd better pay heed. Jack Hawkins and Ulla Jacobsson are also on hand as an idealistic missionary and his somewhat more pragmatic daughter. Richard Burton provides the narration for Zulu, closing the film with the observation that 11 of the 1,344 Victoria Crosses awarded since 1856 were bestowed upon the survivors of Rorke's Drift. Zulu was followed in 1979 by a "prequel," Zulu Dawn. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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89% liked it

29,002 ratings

Critics

92% liked it

13 critics

PG, 2 hr. 19 min.

Directed by: Cy Endfield

Release Date: June 17, 1964

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DVD Release Date: February 2, 2001

Stats: 1,642 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (1,642)

  • flixsterman
    April 24, 2012
    flixsterman
    Grand in scope but still personable and humanistic.
  • matertenebraum
    February 10, 2011
    matertenebraum
    22nd January 1879, Rorke's Drift. Natal Province. On that day an epic battle was fought between 4000 Zulu warriors and approx. 100 British soldiers.

    Now I have noticed many of our American cousins have made remarks in their reviews of Zulu, to the effect that the soldiers were n... read moreasty-pasty British Empire builders and that they all deserved to choke on their own vomit, however the film does not try to justify the Zulu War or it's origins so I will not either, suffice it to say that you shouldn't be expressing assumptions and opinions on nineteenth century political attitudes with such an obvious twenty-first century viewpoint. They are two very different worlds which cannot be compared.

    This film is beautifully shot and scripted, and the the John Barry musical score keeps the battle scenes moving well. It seems to makes the sometimes long periods of heavy fighting pass by quicker. Barry took authentic Zulu songs and chants and added the dramatic score around them to make an original and haunting theme which still ranks as one of his greatest film score offerings.

    Stanley Baker is fantastic as Lt. Chard, the Royal Engineer who is able to use his skill in successfully fortifying the little hospital outpost against the onslaught of the foe.

    Micheal Caine plays Lt. Bromhead the professional line soldier and upper class officer who after a little whining and grumbling accepts his position of second in command and fights valiantly in the battle. It was this film that propelled Caine to international stardom, so powerful was his performance.

    Other noted cast members include James Booth as an excellent but inaccurate Hook, and Nigel Green as Colour-Sergeant Frank Bourne the typical Victorian Sergeant-major complete with side whiskers and moustache.

    The Great Jack Hawkins who did not like the character he played or his work on the film, portrayed Otto Witt, the pacifist missionary with a drink problem and again it is another performance worthy of an award. It was upsetting however to hear in his voice, his wonderfully clipped speaking voice, the early effects of the throat cancer which had by this time plagued him for three years and which was eventually to lead to his death.

    Also special mention to Richard Burton, who narrated the whole show. He truly had one of the best dramatic voices in the world and speaks his lines beautifully.

    It was also good to see the Zulu's portrayed with dignity and honour rather than just mere savages with bones through their noses. They were a brave and strong opponent that day and they are deserving of tribute as much as the British.

    The basis of this film is taken from historical fact, although certain characters and events have either been altered, erased or just plain fabricated for dramatic purposes. I hope that should any producers in the future be foolish enough to attempt a remake of this classic epic, they will put historical accuracy first and Hollywood sensationalism second if at all.

    Enough has been said by others regarding the blatant slander of Private Henry Hook, so I will not elaborate on it, save that it was a gross slur on the bravest of men. I hope should the film ever be remade his honour will be restored and his gallant deeds on that day be portrayed accurately.

    To quash further popular myths none of the film is shot on the exact spot at which the battle took place, (the real Rorke's Drift was in fact about 60 miles from the location shoot.)

    The regiment in question did not become the South Wales Borderers until two years after the battle and was at the time a Warwickshire Regiment. They were however based in Brecon which is where the Welsh connection was born and would explain why there was a higher amount of Welsh nationals attached to it.

    Despite this the regiment consisted mainly of Englishmen and only about 12 percent were in fact from Wales. With these demographics being how they are I can assure you, "Men of Harlech" would not have been sung at Rorke's Drift, (at least not without the culprit being bayoneted by an Englishman with ear-ache.)

    Lt. Chard himself was an Englishman having been born in Plymouth into an established and respected Somerset family. This being the case, I find it funny that although Stanley Baker never refers to Chard as a Welshman, he none the less seems to revel in promoting Welsh pride at ever opportunity. Of the eleven V.C's won in the battle, only three of them were awarded to Welshman so why the big Welsh message Boyo?

    Also the final salute made by the Zulu's did not occur. When they re-appeared on the hill they returned with the sole intention of finishing off the gallant soldiers at the outpost, but decided against it when they noticed a sizable relief column approaching Rorke's Drift from the south.

    Finally, a few people have made references to Colour-Sergeant Frank Bourne, wondering whether or not he really existed and if so why he was never awarded the V.C. for his conduct on the day. Yes, he really existed and yes, he did fight at Rorke's Drift. He was in fact recommended for a Victoria Cross, but told the powers that be that he would rather have a promotion instead. This he was given along with a D.C.M and an O.B.E. He was the last surviving veteran of Rorke's Drift when he died on V.E. Day 8th May 1945 aged 91 and with a rank of Lt. Col.
  • rubystevens
    August 1, 2008
    rubystevens
    putting aside the ethics of colonialism and some unconvincingly bloodless action scenes, it's pretty entertaining. funny to hear michael caine with a posh accent :)
  • stuartb1234
    January 10, 2007
    stuartb1234
    Great movie....
  • deano
    November 16, 2006
    deano
    100 British soldiers vs 4,000 Zulu warriors. Amazing epic adventure of courage in the face of incredible odds.
  • garyX
    November 9, 2006
    garyX
    One of the great matinee style films starring an unusually upper-class Michael Caine fending off "zulus sir, farzands of 'em!" with a stiff upper lip. The film is never patronizing, and the anti-war message is never forced.
  • Hellshocked
    May 15, 2010
    Hellshocked
    While it is hard to feel sympathy for an invading army, impossible to feel exhileration at victory for colonialism (however hard fought) and hard to stomach the casual racism that marks the film (British attitudes reflecting not only the period when it takes place but the period ... read morewhen the film itself was made), "Zulu" is without a doubt a near masterpiece of the siege film genre.

    I'll bet dollars to donuts that Ridley Scott is a huge, huge fan.
  • Lemure
    April 30, 2010
    Lemure
    Nope, this film didn't work for me. I've always considered "courage" and "bravery" to be in fighting and dying FOR something. These soldiers are fighting and dying for nothing more than stubborn pride. Why not just walk away and avoid all that bloodshed?

    Caine is brilliant though.
  • moviefan1725
    November 28, 2008
    moviefan1725
    The Braveheart of its day, this movie tells the true story of 100 British soldiers attempting to defend their post from 4000 attacking Zulu warriors. The battle scenes are immense, and shows the Zulus to be far more formidable opponents for reasons other than their overwhelming n... read moreumbers. The British soldiers not only remained committed to their duty, but are determined to also carry on as gentleman. It's a war of will as much as it is one of weapons. The British use several impressive tactics to keep the Zulus at bay, no matter how many attacks they launch. The visuals are nothing short of amazing, especially considering that they really use thousands of Zulu warriors in the battle scenes. Real people, not cgi. The 1964 action classic is also the film debut of screen legend Michael Caine.
  • mingsysar
    October 23, 2008
    mingsysar
    A complete and utter classic.

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Critic Reviews

Variety Staff
January 2, 2009
Variety Staff, Variety

Joseph E. Levine makes an impressive debut in British film production with Zulu, a picture that allows ample scope for his flamboyant approach to showmanship. Full Review

Bosley Crowther
May 9, 2005
Bosley Crowther, New York Times

Students of such things in movies should appreciate this one, for it has all the standard ingredients of the heroic hold-the-fort film. Full Review

Pablo Villaca
May 1, 2009
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena

Responsável por lançar a carreira de Caine, o filme merece créditos também por evitar retratar os zulus como caricaturas selvagens, mas, mesmo que seja hábil ao criar uma atmosfera de urgência e deses...

Geoff Andrew
February 9, 2006
Geoff Andrew, Time Out

Zulu is a fairly tough-minded and interesting account of a company of Welsh soldiers doing their bit for somebody else's Queen and Country in an alien land. Full Review

Christopher Null
January 31, 2006
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com

Though, there's an awful lot of lounging around in the hut and a lot of buildup to the battle itself, which doesn't get underway for more than half the film. Full Review

Louis Proyect
February 19, 2002
Louis Proyect, rec.arts.movies.reviews

Its failure to present any kind of historical context ill serves the indigenous African peoples whom Endfield presumes to honor.

January 1, 2000
TV Guide's Movie Guide

This amazing film is devastatingly accurate in its depiction of the Rorke's Drift action, and is superbly directed by Cy Endfield, whose battle scenes are some of the most terrifying ever committed to... Full Review

Dennis Schwartz
January 1, 2000
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

Caine was just splendid, it is still one of his finest hours in film. Full Review

Emanuel Levy
June 29, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

Thomas Delapa
November 12, 2004
Thomas Delapa, Boulder Weekly

No review available.

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Facts

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    • Color Sgt. Bourne: Mr. Chard, sir, patrol's come back. The Zulus have gone. All of them. It's a miracle.
    • Lt. John Chard: If it's a miracle, Colour Sergeant, it's a short-chambered, Boxer-Henry .45 calibre miracle.
    • Color Sgt. Bourne: And a bayonet, sir. With some guts behind it.
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