My Favourite Movies: Zulu
To understand the British character you only have to see this film [grin].
The story takes place at Rorke’s Drift, a small British outpost in South Africa. Unbeknown to the hundred or so soldiers based there the Zulu army is on its way to destroy them after their recent victory against a much larger force. On hearing the news the two young officers decide to stand and fight. So begins the defence of the station at Rorke’s Drift.
This is an amazing film on several levels. The acting is outstanding – especially when you remember that this was Michael Caine’s first major film. The action – and there’s a LOT of action – is realistic and the direction is flawless. The Zulu army, played by local Zulu’s are treated with respect throughout and not portrayed as either faceless enemies or evil adversaries. This is even more impressive when you understand that the film was made in 1964 during the Apartheid regime in South Africa.
From what I can tell the film aimed at a high level of historical accuracy whilst underlining the futility of war and the questionable validity of Imperialism. This is a great British movie and if you haven’t seen it yet then you’re missing out on a piece of both cinematic and actually history. Highly recommended.
6 comments:
Great film, great acting, great visually.
It's really rather good old chap!
VERY British.
I loved that throughout the film the Stanley Baker character was refered to as 'that officer of engineers' as if he wasn't a "real" officer! So funny!
"... the futility of war and the questionable validity of Imperialism ... " -- there's a lesson there somewhere. :-)
I've always wanted to see this movie. I'll check it out.
I'll check it out. Thanks!
The film actually plays fast and loose with history - at least on the detailed level, for example the descendants of the real private Hook were apparently extremely offended at seeing a teetotal Methodist portrayed as a drunker malingerer. But yes, it's an extraordinary film about an extraordinary moment in Imperial history.
random - I was aware of the Hook issue but not aware of the full details.
Being a movie (rather than a documentary) I fully expected a certain amount of 'artistic licence' in the story. But if anyone is interested in the actual events I recomend they read some of the many books written about this (as you said) "extraordinary moment in Imperial history".
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