Review of Zulu (1964) by Mark B — 08 Jan 2010

Any discussion of great war movies should include the 1964 production "Zulu", an account of the battle between British soldiers and Zulu warriors at Rorke?s Drift in 1879. You'll have a difficult time finding a war film that is more believable, historically accurate, and completely compelling from start to finish.

General hostilities between the British and the Zulus escalated on January 22nd, 1879. Over 1,000 British soldiers died on that day at the hands of the Zulu King Cetshwayoon. The King, having gained the upper hand, hoped to press for favorable terms of peace. Unfortunately, a younger brother of the King, Prince Dabulamanzi kaMapande, was looking for a piece of the action, and independently attacked the British mission at Rorke?s Drift.

The mission camp was manned by a mere 140 soldiers. They successfully held off 4,500 Zulu warriors until help arrived later in the day. The successful defense of the camp at Rorke's Drift is one of the most famous battles in the history of Great Britain. The film is equally impressive. Any lover of war films and battle scenes will not be disappointed with "Zulu".