Review of Zulu (1964) by Anthony M — 10 May 2010

Zulu is a historical war film depicting the 1879 battle of Rourke's Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War. For its time, I do feel that this was a sceptical of epic proportions however, I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted too. I felt the film was bloated and while Micheal Caine was great as arrogant Lieutenant Bromhead and his chemistry with Lieutenant Chard portrayed by Stanley Baker was without a doubt the highlight of the film. Everything else let it down.

Coming back to my point on the film being bloated, I felt that there wasn't anything substantial happening to keep me interested in the build up to the war. When the film did get going, such as the fight scenes, particularity when the Zulu's were attacking the hospital full of injured troops it was definitely entertaining to watch.

The set and costume design were very authentic and think that the film definitely looked and felt like the period it was portraying but I personally couldn't put Zulu with the best war films of all time. It doesn't live up to the standards of all the war films that have came after. Interesting enough as it is, its paced completely wrong and some performances were mediocre to say the least.

Zulu is an entertaining film if you can keep focused for long enough. I think that the films scope, for its age is very impressive and while some performances were great, others weren't and the long duration and slow pacing were ultimately a big turn off.