Zulu (DVD, 2001)

This 2001 issue in a DVD format movie "Zulu" is based on the real battle of Rorke's Drift in January 1879 which pitted the British Empire against the Zulu Nation. 11 Victoria Crosses were won by the defenders. The British force was outnumbered 15 to 1 during the 12 hour battle (not 40 to 1 as legend likes to claim). Militaria enthusiasts generally enjoy the movie and it's a standard reference to British medal collectors - a "must have" in their collection! While the acting techniques (particularly Michael Cain's) seems dated today, it is probably as close as you can get to having it broadcast live. This movie is so accurate that specialists have to really search to find any flaws in the story! The only other British battle that can approximate this one is the 4 day Defense of Dawkita in 1897 which pitted a very small British colonial force against a massive Sofa army (1 to approximately 175). Unfortunately this movie has not been made.

My reviews are written without any knowledge as to who the potential seller may be.

Michael Caines first major movie role, lots of shooting, spears, killing, and burning buildings. Fantastic! Great seller too!

Was told about the movie and wanted to see it and add it to my collection. It is a great movie and woudl recommed it to anyone. Quite graphic...not relly good for children.

This is one of the war best films ever! Very simple story, and reasonably historically 'accurate'. As a boy I first watched this when I was @ 10 yrs old and have been enthralled ever since. Awesome characters, beautiful scenery and reasonable acting, given the period (1960's). The ZULU warriors are to be admired and honored. Their warrior code is first class, Spartan,or Pretorian would be their closest European counterpart. The British, mainly Welshmen, simple, stuck, and brave beyond belief! I've oftern described this a similar to the Alamo, but the 'out-numbered' ones won the day. Enjoy.

One of the most historicly correct movies ever written about the battle at Rorke's Drift. Fabulous movie. Michael Caine is great.

This movie shows clearly the lesson to survive and excell in the overwhelming face of adversity. The 24th Afoot at Rouke's Drift in Africa in the face of clear destruction stand their ground. There is a constant struggle of good and bad throughout. The military tactician can pick up pointers. There are many light hearted moments as well as great drama. The theatre of conflict is not based on special effects and gore. It is based on the human experience. The musical score is quite dramatic. It id a movie that can easily be watched again and again.

"Can a small British force withstand the onslaught of thousands of fearless, battle-hardened Zulu warriors?" That's the question that this classic war film will answer.

Here's the situation that the Brits face at the outpost known as Rorke's Drift in South Africa. A force of about 90 British soldiers and combat engineers are ordered to defend a small missionary outpost in the heart of Zulu country during the Zulu War of 1879. The British forces at this remote outpost have received word that 1,500 members of a crack British regiment have been masscred by an indomitable force of Zulu warriors.

Besides the 90 or so able-bodied Brits at Rorke's Drift, there are about 35 sick and wounded soldiers who are being cared for by the missionaries there. When the Zulu warriors arrive, the British are stunned to discover that they are outnumbered about 40 to 1.

This film is arguably one of the best battle movies made. It features a star-studded cast headed by Stanley Baker and Michael Caine and includes such distinguished British actors such as Jack Hawkins, Patrick Magee, and Nigel Green. John Barry's stirring soundtrack is superb, and the cinematography of the Natal countryside near where the actual battle took place is glorious. This was one of Caine's earliest starring roles and garnered him the attention of the British film industry for his later roles in The Ipcress File and then Alfie.

For a film that was released 45 yrs ago, it's still a good "watch" today, despite rudimentary special effects, according to today's standards.