Synopsis
In 1879, during the Anglo-Zulu War, man-of-the-people Lt. Chard and snooty Lt. Bromhead are in charge of defending the isolated and vastly outnumbered Natal outpost of Rorke's Drift from tribal hordes.
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Cast
- Stanley BakerLt. John Chard R.E.
- Jack HawkinsRev. Otto Witt
- Ulla JacobssonMargareta Witt
- James BoothPte. Henry Hook
- Michael CaineLt. Gonville Bromhead
- Nigel GreenColour Sgt. Frank Bourne
- Paul DanemanSgt. Maxfield
- Patrick MageeSurgeon Reynolds
- Glynn EdwardsCpl. Allen
- Neil McCarthyPvt. Thomas
Recommendations
- 100
TV Guide Magazine
Set in 1879 in Natal, this magnificently staged, brilliantly acted film tells the story of the heroic defense by overwhelmingly outnumbered British troops of the tiny outpost Rorke's Drift. - 90
The Telegraph
It may not be truthful – but, my God, the result is thrilling. - 80
Empire
As a spectacular war film with a powerful moral dimension, Zulu pre-dates Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan by more than three decades. Like the defence of Rorke's Drift itself, its legend grows with the passing of time. - 80
The Guardian
Zulu is a brilliantly made dramatisation of Rorke's Drift, and it does a fine job of capturing the spirit for which the battle is remembered. - 80
Los Angeles Times
This may not be exact history, but it certainly makes an impression. - 75
Slant Magazine
A good platter for a great, underappreciated classic of British cinema (under the direction of American expatriate Cy Endfield)—light on supplements but strong in presentation. - 70
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. - 70
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.
