Zulu is a 1964 British war film depicting the true story of the Battle of Rorke’s Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, where a small group of British soldiers bravely defended against overwhelming opponents.
Is Zulu a true story?
Yes, “Zulu” is based on a true story. 1964 British war film recounting the Battle of Rorke’s Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War in South Africa in 1879. After the Zulus defeated a British garrison at Isandlwana, they attempted to attack the small depot of England at Rorke’s Drift. The film follows Lieutenant John Chard, played by Stanley Baker, who despite his lack of combat experience, leads about 120 soldiers against a massive Zulu force of 4,000 warriors.
The British army, facing overwhelming odds, managed to hold its ground and win the respect of its Zulu opponents. The film combines impressive fight scenes with strong performances, especially by Michael Caine in his first leading role. John Barry’s score was influenced by African tribal music and the narration was provided by Richard Burton. The events depicted in “Zulu” are historically accurate, making it a true story.
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Zulu (1964)
The 1964 British epic war film “Zulu” tells the true story of the Battle of Rorke’s Drift during the Anglo-Zulu War in January 1879. Directed by Cy Endfield and produced by Stanley Baker and Endfield, the film depicts 150 British soldiers, including 30 sick and wounded, defending a remote outpost against 4,000 Zulu warriors.
The script was written by Endfield and historical writer John Prebble, based on Prebble’s 1958 article “Slaughter in the Sun”. The film stars Stanley Baker, introduces Michael Caine in his first leading role, and features a supporting cast that includes Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, and others.
Zulu leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, a future political leader of South Africa, plays his great-grandfather, Zulu King Cetshwayo kaMpande. Richard Burton provides the opening and closing narration. “Zulu” was released on the 85th anniversary of the 1964 battle and was later ranked the 93rd best British film ever in a 2017 Time Out poll.
Where was Zulu filmed?
“Zulu” was filmed primarily on location in South Africa, with the mission depot at Rorke’s Drift recreated beneath the Natural Amphitheater in the Drakensberg Mountains. The setting for the British field hospital and supply depot was built near the Tugela River, on the grounds of the Amphitheater. Although the terrain was steeper than the actual Rorke’s Drift location, the setting provided a visually impressive backdrop.
The actual battle site at Isandlwana, located 100 km northwest, near the Buffalo River, differs from the recreated scenes. Various scenes were also filmed in the KwaZulu-Natal national park. Twickenham Studios in Middlesex, England, was used for interiors and scenes featuring James Booth. The film used real Zulus, with 240 Zulu extras brought in for battle scenes, and an additional 1,000 tribesmen filmed in Zululand by a second unit. Additionally, 80 South African soldiers were cast as soldiers.
Zulu Conspiracy
In 1879, after the British suffered a crushing defeat by the Zulus at Isandlwana, a small group of British soldiers, fewer than 200 men, led by Lieutenant John Chard, defended Rorke’s Drift in Natal. They received warnings of 4,000 Zulu warriors approaching. Unable to evacuate in time, Chard decided to stay and fight, fortifying the station with wagons, flour sacks, and makeshift defenses. Missionary Otto Witt and his daughter Margareta witnessed the Zulu victory celebration and fled.
Despite challenges, including Witt’s opposition and desertion, the British held their ground in the face of relentless Zulu attacks. The Zulus tried to find a weak spot but faced determined resistance. The British sang to raise morale, and in the final attack they repelled the Zulus, who suddenly honored the defenders and retreated. Eleven soldiers received the Victoria Cross for their bravery in the defense of Rorke’s Drift, the highest military decoration.
Zulu actor
Performer | Character |
Stanley Baker | Lieutenant John Chard |
Michael Caine | Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead |
Jack Hawkins | Pastor Otto Witt |
Ulla Jacobsson | Margareta Witt |
Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi | King Cetshwayo |
James Booth | Private Henry Hook |
Nigel Green | Color Sergeant Frank Bourne |
Paul Daneman | Sergeant Robert Maxfield |
Joe Powell | Sergeant Joseph Windridge |
Ivor Emmanuel | Private Owen |
Glyn Edwards | Corporal William Allen |
Neil McCarthy | Private Thomas |
David Kernan | Private Frederick Hitch |
Gary Bond | Private Cole |
Peter Gill | Private 612 John Williams |
Richard Davies | 593rd Private William Jones |
Denys Graham | 716th Private Robert Jones |
Patrick Magee | Surgeon-Major James Henry Reynolds |
Dickie Owen | Corporal Frederick Schiess |
Gert van den Bergh | Lieutenant Gert Adendorff |
Dennis Folbigge | Acting Assistant Commissioner James Langley Dalton |
Larry Taylor | Hughes |
Kerry Jordan | Louis Byrne |
Harvey Hall | Patient |
Where to watch Zulu?
You can currently watch the movie “Zulu” on streaming platforms such as Channel 4, Paramount Plus and Apple TV Channel. Additionally, if you want to own or rent a movie, you have the option to purchase it on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Sky Store, Microsoft Store, YouTube and Rakuten TV for download.
Rental options are also available on platforms such as Amazon Video, Microsoft Store, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Sky Store, YouTube and Rakuten TV. This allows you to conveniently access movies through various online services. Whether you choose to stream or purchase, “Zulu” is accessible through multiple platforms to satisfy your viewing preferences.
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